Fanciful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fanciful
[หfรฆnsษชfษl ]
Definitions
imagination
existing only in the imagination; not based on fact
Synonyms
creative, imaginative, whimsical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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fanciful |
Use 'fanciful' when describing something that is imaginative but unrealistic or not grounded in reality. It often has a playful or dreamlike quality.
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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.
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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.
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whimsical |
Use 'whimsical' when describing something that is playful or mischievously charming. It often has a lighthearted and quirky quality.
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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.
appearance
excessively intricate or elaborate, especially in a way that is considered excessive or overdone
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
fanciful |
Can also be used in a negative sense to describe ideas or thoughts that are unrealistic or impractical.
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ornate |
Used when describing something that is highly decorated with complex patterns and details, often referring to objects, architecture, or writing.
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overdecorated |
Generally carries a negative connotation, indicating that something has been decorated too much, making it look gaudy or excessive.
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fussy |
Describes someone who is overly concerned with small details or has excessive particular needs.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting 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 Dalรญ 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.
Origin of 'fanciful'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'fanciful' originated from the Middle English term 'fantsy' or 'fancy', which meant 'imagination' or 'desire'. Over time, it evolved to 'fanciful' in the 15th century, combining the meanings of 'imaginative' and 'extravagant'. The word has been used to describe things that are imaginative, creative, or elaborate ever since.
See also: fancifully.
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.
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- 13448 propagating
- 13449 biosynthesis
- 13450 pooling
- 13451 fanciful
- 13452 haughty
- 13453 decease
- 13454 naturalist
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