- Today's Word
Raconteur
[ra-kon-TUR]
Definition
- (noun) A “raconteur” is a person who excels at telling engaging and entertaining stories. They have a natural talent for captivating their audience with their words, often drawing from their own experiences or observations to weave compelling narratives that leave listeners hanging on every word.
Example
At every party, guests would gather around the charismatic raconteur, eagerly awaiting his latest tale of adventure, humor, or intrigue.
Fun Fact
The word “raconteur” originated in France during the 17th century, derived from the French verb “raconter,” which means “to tell or relate.” Renowned raconteurs throughout history include figures such as Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and Winston Churchill, all known for their quick wit, sharp observations, and ability to engage audiences with their storytelling prowess. In modern times, the art of being a raconteur has extended beyond the spoken word, with many writers, filmmakers, and other artists using their skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences.
(adjective) Obviously planned or forced rather than arising naturally; lacking authenticity or spontaneity.
The film’s ending felt contrived — a sudden reconciliation between characters who had spent two hours proving they could never forgive each other.
Contrived comes from the verb contrive, rooted in the Old French controver, meaning “to imagine” or “to find out,” itself from the Latin contropare — “to compare” or “to devise.” It entered English in the 14th century originally meaning simply to plan or devise something cleverly. Over time the word acquired its current negative undertone, shifting from neutral ingenuity toward the suggestion of something manipulated or artificially engineered to produce a desired effect.