fictional
Fictional (adj) means existing only in a story; invented rather than real. Example: “Gotham City is a fictional setting inspired by New York.”
How to Use Fictional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMade up for a story, not real.
"Fictional" describes something invented for a narrative (a fictional character); "fictitious" more often describes a false claim meant to deceive (a fictitious name on a fake ID).
Word Forms
more fictional comparative, most fictional superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Gotham City is a _____ setting inspired by New York.
Etymology
From fiction plus the adjective ending -al.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for fictional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fictional” mean?
The word “fictional” means existing only in a story; invented rather than real. In plain terms, made up for a story, not real.
How do you pronounce “fictional”?
“Fictional” is pronounced FIHK-shuh-nuhl (/ˈfɪkʃənəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “fictional” in a sentence?
Here is “fictional” used in a sentence: “Gotham City is a fictional setting inspired by New York.”
What part of speech is “fictional”?
“Fictional” is an adjective.
Is “fictional” a common word?
“Fictional” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "fictional" and "fictitious"?
"Fictional" typically describes characters, places, or events created for a story such as a novel or film, while "fictitious" more broadly describes anything invented or false, including in non-literary contexts such as a fictitious name or claim.
What is the difference between "fictional" and "imaginary"?
"Fictional" specifically describes something invented within the context of a narrative or story, while "imaginary" more broadly describes anything that exists only in the mind, whether or not it appears in a story.
Can a "fictional" character be based on a real person?
Yes. A fictional character can be inspired by or loosely based on a real person while still being classified as fictional, because the character as depicted does not exist as a real, verifiable individual.