Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ɪfstəɹˌi] (IPA) 
The word "lifestory" is spelled with two separate words: "life" and "story". The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound /laɪf/, and the second syllable with a short "i" sound /stɔri/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the two words are joined together to form a compound word. The spelling of this word is straightforward, and it accurately reflects its meaning - a narrative about a person's life.
The term "lifestory" refers to a narrative account or biography that provides a comprehensive account of an individual's life, typically highlighting significant events, experiences, and achievements. It encompasses the entirety of a person's existence, offering a detailed chronology and interpretation of their journey from birth or early childhood to the present or their demise.
A lifestory delves into various dimensions of an individual's life, including personal, professional, socio-cultural, and emotional aspects. It often offers insights into the person's background, upbringing, education, career path, relationships, and significant milestones. Such stories may also shed light on the person's values, beliefs, aspirations, challenges faced, and the impact they have made on others or society as a whole.
Lifestories can be documented through various mediums, such as written memoirs, autobiographies, oral histories, or recorded interviews. They serve as valuable historical and sociocultural records, enabling a deeper understanding of an individual's context, experiences, and contributions. Additionally, lifestories provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect on and share their life experiences, creating a sense of personal legacy and preserving their memories for future generations.
In summary, a lifestory encompasses an individual's entire life, providing a detailed account of their personal and professional journey, achievements, relationships, and significant events. It is a comprehensive narrative that captures the essence of someone's existence, offering insights into their character, experiences, and the impact they have made on the world.
The word "lifestory" is a compound word formed from the combination of the word "life" and "story". The etymology of "life" can be traced back to the Old English word "lif", which meant "existence, living, life". It finds its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "libam" and can be related to the Proto-Indo-European root word "leip" meaning "to remain, persevere".
The word "story" comes from the Middle English word "storie", which initially meant "narrative of important events or celebrated persons" and derives from the Latin "historia" meaning "narrative of past events, account, tale, story". "Historia" itself came from the Greek word "histor" meaning "one who knows or sees".
