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griot

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈɡriː.oʊ/

KK: /griˈoʊ/

noun
Definition

A person in western Africa who tells stories and shares the history and traditions of their community or family, often through music and performance.


Example

The griot sang songs that told the history of our ancestors during the festival.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard a story from a griot?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What is a griot?
Sloth A
They are traditional storytellers in West Africa who share history and culture.
Sloth B
That sounds fascinating! I would love to listen to one.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
storyteller
bard
minstrel
Antonyms
listener
audience
silencer
Root Explanation

The word 'griot' originates from the French term 'griot', which is derived from the West African Manding word 'griots' (meaning storyteller or oral historian). Griots are traditional storytellers, poets, and musicians in West African culture, serving as custodians of oral history and tradition.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'griot' as a storyteller in West Africa, preserving and sharing history through oral tradition.

Visually Confused Words
riot
grot
grit
grout
groot
groat
grits
grith
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