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Fanciful: meaning, definitions and examples

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fanciful

 

[ˈfænsɪfəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

imagination

existing only in the imagination; not based on fact

Synonyms

creative, imaginative, whimsical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fanciful

Use 'fanciful' when describing something that is imaginative but unrealistic or not grounded in reality. It often has a playful or dreamlike quality.

  • She had a fanciful idea about building a castle in the sky.
  • The story was filled with fanciful characters and magical places.
imaginative

Use 'imaginative' to describe something or someone that shows a lot of imagination. It is used to highlight the ability to think of original and unusual ideas.

  • Her imaginative storytelling captivated the entire audience.
  • The designer came up with an imaginative solution for the space.
creative

Use 'creative' when referring to someone or something that shows originality and inventiveness. It is commonly used in positive contexts to describe artistic or innovative abilities.

  • He has a very creative approach to solving problems.
  • The children were engaged in a creative activity, making their own artwork.
whimsical

Use 'whimsical' when describing something that is playful or mischievously charming. It often has a lighthearted and quirky quality.

  • The garden was decorated with whimsical sculptures and fairy lights.
  • His whimsical sense of humor always made people laugh.

Examples of usage

  • He told a fanciful tale of a magical land beyond the clouds.
  • The artist's painting was filled with fanciful creatures and vibrant colors.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

excessively intricate or elaborate, especially in a way that is considered excessive or overdone

Synonyms

fussy, ornate, overdecorated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fanciful

Can also be used in a negative sense to describe ideas or thoughts that are unrealistic or impractical.

  • His plans for the new project were deemed too fanciful by the team.
  • She has a fanciful notion that she can become a world-famous artist overnight.
ornate

Used when describing something that is highly decorated with complex patterns and details, often referring to objects, architecture, or writing.

  • The ornate chandelier hung majestically in the grand hall.
  • The poem's ornate language can be difficult to understand.
overdecorated

Generally carries a negative connotation, indicating that something has been decorated too much, making it look gaudy or excessive.

  • The room felt cramped and overdecorated with so many pictures and trinkets.
  • Her wedding dress was beautiful, but some thought it was overdecorated.
fussy

Describes someone who is overly concerned with small details or has excessive particular needs.

  • He is very fussy about how his clothes are organized.
  • The baby is being fussy and won't stop crying.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a fanciful dress with layers of ruffles and embellishments.
  • The elaborate design of the building was considered fanciful by many.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Middle English word 'fancy', which means 'imagination or illusion'.
  • The term evolved from the Latin word 'phantasia', indicating a sense of appearance or imagination.
  • Used since the late 14th century to describe things that are not based on facts.

Literature

  • Fanciful elements are often found in fairy tales and fantasy literature where magic exists.
  • Authors like Lewis Carroll and J.M. Barrie embraced fanciful ideas to create worlds that defy the ordinary.
  • In children's literature, fanciful stories help engage young readers by sparking their imagination.

Psychology

  • Fanciful thinking can be a sign of creativity, suggesting that individuals can think outside traditional boundaries.
  • Engaging in fanciful thoughts helps develop problem-solving skills by allowing people to explore multiple scenarios.
  • Imaginary play in children fosters cognitive and social development, demonstrating the importance of fanciful thinking.

Art

  • Fanciful art often features bright colors and imaginative subjects, appealing to emotions and dreams.
  • Surrealism, an art movement, celebrates fanciful concepts, blending reality with the bizarre and dreamlike.
  • Famous artists like Salvador Dalí created works that reflect fanciful ideas, challenging perceptions of reality.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Harry Potter' are filled with fanciful elements that delight audiences.
  • Fanciful themes are prevalent in animated films, where animals talk and magical adventures unfold.
  • Comic books often thrive on fanciful ideas, pushing the boundaries of reality with superhuman characters and worlds.

Translations

Translations of the word "fanciful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fantasioso

🇮🇳 कल्पनाशील

🇩🇪 fantasievoll

🇮🇩 khayalan

🇺🇦 фантастичний

🇵🇱 fantazyjny

🇯🇵 空想的な (くうそうてきな)

🇫🇷 fantaisiste

🇪🇸 fantasioso

🇹🇷 hayalperest

🇰🇷 상상의

🇸🇦 خيالي

🇨🇿 fantazijní

🇸🇰 fantazijný

🇨🇳 幻想的 (huànxiǎng de)

🇸🇮 domišljijski

🇮🇸 ímyndunarafl

🇰🇿 қиялшыл

🇬🇪 ფანტასტიკური

🇦🇿 xəyalpərəst

🇲🇽 fantasioso

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,451, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.