Genre

Definition

Genre refers to a category or classification of artistic, literary, or musical works characterized by specific styles, forms, or content. It is used to group similar types of creative output.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʒɑːnrə/
• Respelling: ZHAHN-ruh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʒɒnrə/
• Respelling: ZHON-ruh

Etymology

The word "genre" originates from the French word "genre," meaning "kind" or "category," which is derived from the Latin "genus" (type, kind, or class). It entered the English language in the 18th century to describe categories in the arts and literature.

Derivatives

• Genric (adjective)
• Subgenre (noun)
• Genre-based (adjective)
• Cross-genre (adjective)
• Genreless (adjective)

Synonyms

• Category
• Type
• Style

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "genre" is widely used to classify creative works, such as books, movies, music, or art. For example, "The novel falls under the mystery genre," or "She prefers the jazz genre in music."

Related Terms

• Subgenre: A smaller, more specific category within a genre.
• Classification: The action or process of categorizing something.
• Form: The visible shape or configuration of something, often linked to artistic works.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A category of artistic, literary, or musical works: Refers to a grouping based on shared styles, themes, or forms.
  • Example: "Horror is a popular genre of film."
• A category of any creative work: Used more broadly for classification.
  • Example: "The exhibition showcased multiple genres of modern art."