Definition of Vignette
Quick Meaning of Vignette
A short, focused scene in a book or film that stands alone and captures a particular mood or moment.
Detailed Definition of Vignette
A short, vivid scene or episode; a brief literary or dramatic work that captures a single moment, mood, or character in fine detail.
How to Pronounce Vignette
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Vin-YET. Stress second syllable (YET). Two syllables.
Watch out: Various mispronunciations; stress is oO.
Origin and Etymology of Vignette
From French 'vignette' (small vine design in books), from 'vigne' (vine). Used to describe brief, decorative sketches or scenes.
How to Use Vignette in a Sentence
Each example shows “vignette” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The short story collection consists of interconnected vignettes of family life across generations.”
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“Each vignette in the film captures a distinct moment in the protagonist's emotional journey.”
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“The author's delicate vignette of childhood memory captures the sensory details with poetic precision.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Vignette
Common Synonyms for Vignette
Smart Synonyms for Vignette — When to Use Each
- sketch
- Brief outline; less detailed than vignette
- scene
- Dramatic moment; broader than vignette
- episode
- Separate incident; less implies artistic focus
Antonyms of Vignette
Common Collocations with Vignette
These phrases pair with “vignette” in everyday English:
- literary vignette
- brief vignette
- poetic vignette
- vivid vignette
- childhood vignette
Common Mistakes When Using Vignette
Even fluent speakers slip up with “vignette”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The vignette was a lengthy, complex narrative spanning multiple generations.
- ✓ Correct: The vignette was a brief, focused scene capturing a single moment.
- Why: Vignette by definition is short and focused.
- ✗ Wrong: The vignette was vague and left impressions entirely unclear.
- ✓ Correct: The vignette was vivid and captured details with precision.
- Why: Vignettes are vivid and create clear impressions.
- ✗ Wrong: The vignette had no connection to the larger work or themes.
- ✓ Correct: The vignette, though brief, connected meaningfully to the larger narrative.
- Why: Vignettes typically relate to and illuminate larger contexts.
Words Confused With Vignette
Other Forms of Vignette
- Noun: vignette
Frequently Asked Questions About Vignette
What is the meaning of "Vignette"?
A short, focused scene in a book or film that stands alone and captures a particular mood or moment.
How do you pronounce "Vignette"?
The IPA is /vɪnˈjet/. Vin-YET. Stress second syllable (YET). Two syllables.
What part of speech is "Vignette"?
"Vignette" is a noun at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Vignette"?
Common synonyms include sketch, scene, episode.
How do you use "Vignette" in a sentence?
For example: "The short story collection consists of interconnected vignettes of family life across generations."