novel
B1Formal & Informal
Definition
Meaning
A long written story describing imaginary characters and events, typically published as a book.
As an adjective: new, original, or unusual in an interesting way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, denotes a specific literary genre; as an adjective, implies a positive quality of newness, distinct from just 'new'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is the same. The adjective form may be slightly more frequent in formal/academic writing in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally positive for the adjective in both. The noun carries the same literary weight.
Frequency
Comparatively high and similar frequency for both noun and adjective uses.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Noun: novel (about + [TOPIC])Adjective: novel (to + [PERSON])Adjective: novel + [NOUN] (e.g., novel method)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A novel in a nutshell”
- “To be a novel experience”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Adjective common: 'We need a novel solution to this marketing challenge.'
Academic
Both common: 'The researcher proposed a novel framework for analysis.' / 'The novel as a literary form evolved in the 18th century.'
Everyday
Noun common: 'I'm looking for a good novel to take on holiday.' Adjective also used: 'That's a novel way to fold a shirt!'
Technical
Adjective common in scientific/engineering contexts: 'The device uses a novel mechanism for energy conversion.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb use.
American English
- No standard verb use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb use.
American English
- No standard adverb use.
adjective
British English
- The team devised a novel approach to waste reduction.
- It was a novel experience, travelling by sleeper train.
American English
- She presented a novel theory at the conference.
- Wearing a costume to the office was a novel idea.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is reading a novel.
- This game is novel and fun.
- He wrote his first novel last year.
- They found a novel way to solve the puzzle.
- The novel, which explores themes of identity, won several awards.
- The scientist's novel interpretation of the data challenged established theories.
- The novelist's intricate plotting and character development redefine the genre.
- While not entirely unprecedented, her methodology was novel in its application to this field.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A NOVEL is a NEW (adjective) kind of story (noun).
Conceptual Metaphor
NEWNESS IS VALUE (for the adjective); A STORY IS A JOURNEY/ WORLD (for the noun).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'novella' (повесть). 'Novel' is specifically a long work (роман).
- The adjective 'novel' is a false friend of 'новелла'. It means 'новый и оригинальный', not related to short stories.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'novel' as an adjective to mean simply 'new' without the connotation of interesting originality (e.g., 'I bought a novel car' sounds odd).
- Confusing spelling: 'novle' or 'nove'.
- Using it as a countable noun for the adjective form (e.g., 'It's a novel' meaning 'It's new').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'novel' as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'New' simply means not existing before. 'Novel' implies newness that is also original, unusual, and often clever or innovative.
No. A 'novel' is specifically a long work of fiction. Non-fiction books, short story collections, or poetry collections are not called novels.
As a noun, it is neutral. As an adjective, it is slightly more formal than 'new' and is common in academic and professional writing.
Using the adjective 'novel' to mean just 'recent' or 'brand new' (e.g., 'I have a novel phone'), rather than 'innovative and interestingly new'.