life-story
UK[ˈlaɪf ˌstɔːri]US[ˈlaɪf ˌstɔːri]
n
An account of the main events in a person's life, especially one that is told in a book or film.
n
The series of experiences and events that make up a person's life.
Morpheme Breakdown
life
story
life
living
story
narrative
Etymology
The compound 'life-story' is a modern English formation that transparently combines two ancient and foundational concepts. The first element, 'life', originates from the Proto-Germanic 'lībą', carrying the essential meaning of existence and vitality. The second element, 'story', traces back through Old French and Latin to the Greek 'historia', which denoted a learning or knowing by inquiry, and later a narrative account. When fused, these elements create a logical and literal compound: a 'life-story' is precisely the narrative account ('story') of one's existence ('life'). This compound exemplifies how English builds specific, nuanced meanings by combining robust, monosyllabic Germanic roots with classical, polysyllabic loanwords to form accessible yet precise terminology.
Analysis
Structure: life (living) + story (narrative)
- life: From Old English 'līf', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'lijf' and German 'Leib'. The core sense is 'the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter'.
- story: From Old French 'estorie', from Latin 'historia', from Greek 'historia' meaning 'narrative, inquiry'. The sense evolved to mean 'an account of past events'.
Examples
Her autobiography is more than just a memoir; it's the compelling life-story of a pioneer.
He felt his life-story was too ordinary to be of interest to anyone.
The documentary pieced together the artist's life-story through interviews and personal letters.