metanarrative: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A narrative is a story or account. A metanarrative is a 'story about stories' – a larger, often implicit framework that gives meaning and legitimacy to many smaller narratives, claiming universal truth or explanatory power.

In its original, descriptive sense, no. However, since Lyotard's critique, it is most frequently used in a critical or skeptical context to question the validity and effects of such totalizing stories.

From a postmodern perspective, the problem is not its moral valence but its totalizing claim to truth, which is seen as inherently limiting and potentially oppressive. A narrative viewed positively by one group (e.g., 'manifest destiny') may be the object of critique by another.

The Enlightenment narrative of rational progress leading to human freedom; the Marxist narrative of class struggle culminating in a communist utopia; the Christian narrative of fall and redemption; the scientific positivist narrative of knowledge steadily accumulating toward complete understanding.

An overarching story, theory, or ideology that claims to provide a comprehensive explanation or framework for understanding history, society, or human experience, often by legitimizing power structures or cultural norms.

Metanarrative is usually formal, academic, literary, critical theory. in register.

Metanarrative: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmetəˈnærətɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmetəˈnærət̬ɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.