Word of the Day: DENOUEMENT

The final resolution or outcome

denouement (noun) - the conclusion, climax, or final act of a chain of events, at which point everything is explained or understood (also dénouement) [dey-noo-mahn]

BREAKDOWN: The word denouement ultimately derives from the root NOD- meaning to tie or bind:

DE- (undo) + NOD- (to tie or bind) + -MENT (act or state)

However, the word as we use and pronounce it in English reflects the French denouement, which can be taken literally as the action of untying. In writing, denouement is typically the last beat in many story structures, occurring after the climax and falling action.

“Every plot, worth the name, must be elaborated to its dénouement before anything be attempted with the pen. It is only with the dénouement constantly in view that we can plot its indispensable air of consequence, or causation, by making the incidents, and especially the tone at all points tend to the development of the intention.” —Edgar Allan Poe

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]