WordValevignette
a small illustration that fades at its edges
In more detail
1. (noun) a short descriptive piece of writing or a brief scene in a film or play that shows a particular moment or aspect of life
2. (noun) a small decorative picture or design, often at the beginning of a book or on the edges of a page
Examples
- 1. The film contains several vignettes showing different families' morning routines.
- 2. The book is illustrated with delicate vignettes in the corners of each chapter.
How to use vignette
Vignette typically describes a short, evocative piece of writing or film that captures a single moment or aspect of life with immediacy and intimacy, often used in literary and artistic contexts. It suggests something memorable and impressionistic rather than a full narrative, and carries a tone of refined, cultured discourse.
Common phrases
- a brief vignette
- a touching vignette
- a literary vignette
- a cinematic vignette
- vignette of life
Synonyms
sketch · scene · snapshot · excerpt · cameo
Word family
vignettist (noun, one who writes vignettes)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use vignette to mean any short piece of writing, forgetting that it specifically implies a vivid, focused snapshot with emotional or artistic resonance rather than simply any brief text.
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