Denouements

/ˌdeɪnuːˈmɑːnz/ noun

Definition

The plural of denouement; the final parts of stories or situations where all the complicated plot threads are resolved and the ending becomes clear.

Etymology

From French dénouement (untying), from dénuer (to untie), from Old French denuer. The word came into English in the 18th century to describe the final 'untying' of complicated plots—the opposite of tying knots is undoing them.

Kelly Says

French gave English this gorgeous word because English had nothing elegant to say—we'd just say 'ending' or 'resolution,' but denouement captures that specific moment when every mystery is solved and the chaos suddenly makes sense.

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