fairy tale
fairy tale — noun
1. a traditional story for children that involves magic, imaginary creatures such a
a traditional story for children that involves magic, imaginary creatures such as fairies or talking animals, and usually ends with the good characters being rewarded
Sivan's favourite fairy tale is about a girl who finds a magic lamp and makes wishes.
fairy tale + about + theme
Grandmother read Yuna a fairy tale about a brave rabbit who tricked a tiger.
The library has a special section for children's fairy tales, filled with stories of kings, queens, and talking animals.
Zola performed a fairy tale in which a poor boy becomes king after saving a magical bird.
Ari asked why fairy tales start with 'Once upon a time' and end with a happy ending.
- folk tale
often has anonymous origins and was passed down orally within a culture, while a fairy tale may be a literary creation
- fable
always has a moral lesson and often uses animals as characters, whereas fairy tales are not always moral-focused
- myth
explains natural events or religious beliefs; not necessarily written for children
文法句型
fairy tale + about + [theme]
read + someone + a fairy tale
常見錯誤
2. a false account given as an explanation or excuse, usually intended to make the
a false account given as an explanation or excuse, usually intended to make the speaker seem more believable or to avoid blame
Daniel's excuse for missing the meeting was a fairy tale about a broken train and a sick cat.
The CEO's story about his poor childhood was a fairy tale he made up for reporters.
fairy tale invented to create a false image
When asked about her homework, Alessia told the teacher a fairy tale about a dog eating the notebook.
Joaquín told his friends a fairy tale about meeting a famous actor, but nobody believed it.
- tall tale
more informal, suggests an exaggerated but entertaining story, not necessarily a lie meant to deceive
- lie
stronger and more direct; carries moral judgment, while 'fairy tale' can sound milder or playful
- fabrication
more formal than 'fairy tale', used in serious or legal contexts
- truth
the opposite — a statement supported by facts and evidence
文法句型
tell + someone + a fairy tale
it is a fairy tale
用法筆記
Often used to express doubt or disapproval about someone's explanation. If you believe the story, use 'story' instead.
常見錯誤
fairy tale — adjective
1. having the special, attractive quality of something that seems too good to be re
having the special, attractive quality of something that seems too good to be real and reminds you of a children's magical story — for example, a fairy tale wedding in a castle, or a fairy tale romance that seems perfectly romantic
Minh and Darius had a fairy tale wedding in a castle with flowers and soft music.
fairy tale castle — describing a beautiful, dreamlike place
The village of Shirakawa was like a fairy tale scene, with small wooden houses covered in thick winter snow.
Noor's fairy tale romance began when she found a handwritten letter from a stranger tucked inside a library book.
Hari described their trip to the lake as a fairy tale adventure, with clear blue water and mountains all around.
Asher and Olivia had a fairy tale picnic by the river with candles on the table.
- magical
broader in meaning; can describe any experience that feels exciting and wonderful, not necessarily romantic or story-like
- enchanting
suggests a gentle, charming quality; slightly more formal than 'fairy tale'
- dreamlike
focuses on the feeling of being unreal rather than specifically storybook-perfect
- ordinary
plain, normal, and not special in any way
文法句型
fairy tale + noun (attributive)
用法筆記
Describes experiences, places, or events that seem unusually perfect, romantic, or beautiful — similar to scenes described in fairy tales. Used only before a noun.