adjective
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fanciful
FAN-sihfl
Fanciful (adjective) means Based on imagination rather than fact or reality. Example: “The report dismissed the plan as fanciful and unworkable.”
adjective
1
Based on imagination rather than fact or reality.
"The report dismissed the plan as fanciful and unworkable."
"She told the children a fanciful tale about talking animals."
How to use fanciful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishImaginative to the point of being unrealistic or made-up.
Common pairings
fanciful notion
fanciful idea
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more fanciful
- Superlative
- most fanciful
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report dismissed the plan as _____ and unworkable.
Etymology
From fancy + -ful.
Related words
Rhymes for fanciful
See all rhymes for fanciful →Frequently asked questions
What does “fanciful” mean?
The word “fanciful” means based on imagination rather than fact or reality. In plain terms, imaginative to the point of being unrealistic or made-up.
How do you pronounce “fanciful”?
“Fanciful” is pronounced FAN-sihfl (/ˈfænsɪfl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “fanciful” in a sentence?
Here is “fanciful” used in a sentence: “The report dismissed the plan as fanciful and unworkable.”
What part of speech is “fanciful”?
“Fanciful” is an adjective.
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