opening vignette

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening vignette" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short, illuminating story at the beginning of a book, article, or essay that introduces the key characters and themes of the text. For example: "The novel begins with a vivid opening vignette that paints a picture of the treacherous journey the main character is taking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

There's a dramatically lit opening vignette of little black dresses, to be sure, but turn ninety degrees and there's the Wonderbra; turn forty-five degrees and there's maternity wear.

The New Yorker

The opening vignette before the flashback adds little, besides the line about the montage.

The New York Times

He has studied with Gabriel García Márquez, whose influence is evident in "Flowers," the opening vignette.

The New York Times

A brilliant opening vignette shows two people pranging their car while reversing.

The Guardian - Film

During the opening vignette, a character called Grandible discovers a child in his cheese tunnels.

The Guardian

That opening vignette, narrated by CBS's host, Jim Nantz, set up the father-son theme that he pursued Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

IF Wendy Whelan were a Hollywood star, glossy profiles about her would forever be opening with vignettes underlining how remarkably down to earth and likable she is.

The New York Times - Arts

Chances are you'll be seeing a lot more of these vignettes in the future, so let's take this opportunity to pick apart the Looper vignette to see what it can tell us about both the film and the medium... 1) The Looper vignette opens with a brief introduction by director Rian Johnson.

The Guardian - Film

Website: http://sites.google.com/site/therepiproject/r-pac/about Documentation: besides the usual package documentation, OutbreakTools is released with a tutorial which can be opened by typing: vignette("OutbreakTools").

Epidemics

Other vignettes opened up as I became lost in the maze of alleyways that often dead-ended at a frothy celadon canal.

The New York Times

Her first memoir opens with a recent vignette in which the author's apparently sadistic elderly father Julian summons her to his home on the pretense that he's leaving the property to her.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opening vignette" to create a strong first impression by establishing tone, character, or theme in a concise and memorable way.

Common error

Avoid using "opening vignette" interchangeably with 'prologue'. A prologue provides extensive background, while an "opening vignette" is a brief, evocative scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening vignette" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of introductory scene characterized by its brevity and vividness. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing film, literature, and even fashion presentations, affirming its role in setting the stage for a narrative or experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Arts

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "opening vignette" refers to a brief, evocative introductory scene, particularly in literature, film, and other narrative forms. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase. While not overly common, it's favored in News & Media and Arts contexts for its ability to quickly establish tone and theme. Alternatives include "introductory scene" and "preliminary scene", but "opening vignette" emphasizes artistry and conciseness. Remember to use "opening vignette" when emphasizing the brief but important scene in the opening of a narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory scene

Focuses on the scene aspect, omitting the 'vignette' nuance of brevity and artistry.

preliminary scene

Highlights that the scene appears first, removing the aesthetic element.

first glimpse

Emphasizes the fleeting and suggestive quality of the introduction.

initial sketch

Emphasizes the preliminary, possibly incomplete nature of the introduction.

opening sequence

Suggests a series of events, instead of a single snapshot or glimpse.

opening tableau

Highlights a vivid, picturesque scene, emphasizing the visual aspect.

introductory passage

Highlights the written form of the introduction rather than a visual scene.

initial segment

Highlights it's the first part of something, with no artistic quality involved.

prologue

Denotes a section that gives background before the main story, potentially more extensive than a vignette.

preface

Refers to a more formal introduction, often written by someone other than the author.

FAQs

How to use "opening vignette" in a sentence?

You can use "opening vignette" to describe the introductory scene of a story, film, or play. For example, "The film's "opening vignette" immediately establishes the protagonist's troubled past."

What can I say instead of "opening vignette"?

You can use alternatives like "introductory scene", "preliminary scene", or "first glimpse" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "opening vignette" and a 'prologue'?

An "opening vignette" is a short, evocative scene that sets the tone. A 'prologue', however, is a more extended introduction providing background information, as a "preface".

When is it appropriate to use the term "opening vignette"?

Use "opening vignette" when you want to emphasize the brevity and artistry of an introductory scene or segment in a narrative.