What is the definition of the term "anecdote"?

The term "anecdote" refers to a short, personal story that is often used to illustrate a particular point or provide an example in conversation or writing. These stories are typically informal and can help to engage an audience or provide a relatable context for a subject being discussed. Anecdotes serve to make abstract ideas more tangible by connecting them to real-life experiences, thereby enhancing understanding and emphasizing key messages.

Other options like a brief summary of important facts, a detailed study analysis of a subject, and a fictional tale with moral lessons, do not encapsulate the essence of an anecdote, which is rooted in personal and often informal storytelling rather than formal summaries, analyses, or fables.