Background for trope

trope

/tɹəʊp/ /tɹoʊp/

Illustration trope - Image 1

noun

Something recurring across a genre or type of art or literature, such as the ‘mad scientist’ of horror movies or the use of the phrase ‘once upon a time’ as an introduction to fairy tales; a motif.

Examples :

"The movie featured the common trope of the clumsy protagonist who unexpectedly becomes a hero. "

story literature art media type style character

Illustration trope - Image 1

noun

A figure of speech in which words or phrases are used with a nonliteral or figurative meaning, such as a metaphor.

Examples :

"The movie used the "nerd becomes popular" trope, which we've seen in many high school comedies. "

literature writing language style word communication media

Illustration trope - Image 1

noun

Mathematical senses.

Examples :

"The teacher used the Pythagorean trope to demonstrate how to find the length of the missing side of a right triangle. "

Illustration trope - Image 1

noun

Musical senses.

Examples :

"The teacher used a familiar trope in her music lesson, a descending scale to build anticipation before the final chord. "

Illustration trope - Image 1

noun

Philosophical senses.

Examples :

"The recurring trope of the "struggling artist" is a common philosophical theme in many stories about creative people. "

Illustration trope - Image 1

verb

To use, or embellish something with, a trope.

Examples :

"The comedian decided to trope the familiar "lost tourist" sketch by adding a talking dog and a ridiculously oversized map. "

style language literature writing media entertainment story culture communication

Illustration trope - Image 1

verb

Senses relating chiefly to art or literature.

Examples :

"While many adventure stories trope the "chosen one" narrative, this movie tries to offer a fresh perspective. "

literature style writing art character

Illustration trope - Image 1

verb

To think or write in terms of tropes.

Examples :

"Instead of trying to write something new, the author troped the story, relying on familiar plot points and character archetypes. "

literature writing style media communication