vignette
/vɪnˈjɛt/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A short written scene or description that shows a small moment, character, or feeling. It is often vivid and focused, not a full story.
- The essay opens with a vignette of city life.
- She wrote a vignette about her grandmother.
- Each chapter begins with a small vignette.
- 2.
In art, a vignette is a picture or design with soft or fading edges. In photography, it is also the darkening around the edge of a photo.
- The old portrait had a soft vignette at the edges.
- The photographer added a vignette effect.
- The poster used a floral vignette in the corner.
Adinary Nuance
A vignette is smaller and more focused than a short story or essay. Writers use it for a brief scene, mood, or detail, not a full plot. In art and photography, it is not the same as a frame; it usually means soft edges or edge darkening.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Đoạn ngắn
- Spanish
- Viñeta
- Chinese
- 小品
- Japanese
- 挿話
- Korean
- 삽화
Etymology
Vignette comes from French, from vignette meaning “small vine.” In English, it entered in the 18th century and first meant a decorative design, then a short scene in writing.
Common phrases
a brief vignettea character vignettevignette effectword vignette
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is vignette used more in writing or in art?
- It is used in both. In writing, it means a short scene. In art or photography, it means a soft-edged image or effect.
- What is the difference between a vignette and a short story?
- A vignette is usually shorter and more focused. It shows one moment or feeling, while a short story usually has more plot.
- Is vignette formal or academic?
- It is fairly formal and common in academic writing. You may also see it in literature, film, and photography.
- How do I use vignette in a sentence?
- Use it for a small, vivid scene or image. For example: 'The author begins with a childhood vignette.'