Definition

The main story or sequence of events in a book, movie, or play.

Example

The plotline of the movie kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Conversation

Did you finish that book I lent you?

Yeah, I just finished it last night!

What did you think of the plotline?

I really liked it; it had some unexpected twists!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plotline → It is formed from "plot" (from Old English *plott*, meaning a small piece of ground or a plan) and "line" (from Latin *linea*, meaning a string or line). The word "plotline" refers to the sequence of events or the main storyline in a narrative, essentially outlining the plan of the story.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'plot' as a 'plan' for a story and a 'line' as a sequence — together, they create the main sequence of events in a narrative.

Visually Confused Words