Fictionalized: meaning, definitions and examples

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fictionalized

 

[ˈfɪkʃ(ə)nəˌlaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

literature

Presented in a way that is not completely true to real events or people, often to make a more interesting or dramatic story.

Synonyms

dramatized, embellished, fantasy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fictionalized

Used when referring to making up stories or elements based on real events, but not entirely true. This is often seen in movies, books, or TV shows that are inspired by real events but have added fictional parts.

  • She fictionalized her experiences to make the book more engaging.
  • The film is a fictionalized account of a true crime story.
dramatized

Used to describe real events that have been presented in a more dramatic way, often in movies or TV shows, to make them more exciting or emotional.

  • The documentary dramatized the events leading up to the war.
  • The play dramatized the struggles of the main character.
embellished

Refers to adding extra details, often not true, to make a story more interesting or impressive. This can have a negative connotation if the added details are seen as unnecessary or deceitful.

  • He embellished his resume to get the job.
  • The storyteller embellished the tale to keep the audience entertained.
fantasy

Represents a genre of books, movies, or games that involve magical and imaginary worlds. It's entirely created from imagination with no basis in reality.

  • She loves reading fantasy novels about dragons and wizards.
  • The game is set in a fantasy world full of mythical creatures.

Examples of usage

  • The novel is a fictionalized account of the author's own experiences.
  • The movie is a fictionalized version of historical events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'fictionalize' combines 'fiction' (which means made-up stories) and the suffix '-ize' (which means to make or become).
  • The word appeared in the English language around the early 20th century, becoming popular in literature and film.
  • Literature often uses 'fictionalized' narratives to explore real historical events while injecting imagination.

Literature

  • Many authors like to fictionalize events to enhance emotional depth, often leading to better engagement with readers.
  • Works like 'The Book Thief' blend historical facts with fictional characters, providing a unique perspective on World War II.
  • Famous novels such as 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara fictionalize battles from the American Civil War to explore human experiences.

Film and Television

  • Movies frequently use fictionalized elements; for instance, 'The Social Network' dramatizes the creation of Facebook with added fictional details for excitement.
  • Documentaries sometimes fictionalize aspects for narrative flow, making them more engaging for audiences.
  • Popular series like 'The Crown' fictionalize royal events, creating a combination of fact and interpretation.

Psychology

  • The process of fictionalizing can impact memory; our recollections can change based on how we retell stories to make them more relatable.
  • Adding fictional elements to memories can help individuals cope with traumatic experiences, turning pain into narrative.
  • People often relate better to stories filled with fictional elements, ultimately making the message more impactful and memorable.

Art and Culture

  • In various art forms, including painting and performance, fictionalized representations provide commentary on real-life issues.
  • Cultural depictions may fictionalize historical figures, reshaping societal perceptions based on narrative choices.
  • The trend of fictionalizing recent history can spark discussions about the truths and myths that shape collective memory.

Translations

Translations of the word "fictionalized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ficcionalizado

🇮🇳 काल्पनिक

🇩🇪 fiktionalisiert

🇮🇩 difiksikan

🇺🇦 вигаданий

🇵🇱 sfabularyzowany

🇯🇵 フィクション化された

🇫🇷 fictionnalisé

🇪🇸 ficcionalizado

🇹🇷 kurgulanmış

🇰🇷 소설화된

🇸🇦 مُختَلَق

🇨🇿 fiktivizovaný

🇸🇰 zbeletrizovaný

🇨🇳 虚构化的

🇸🇮 fiktiviziran

🇮🇸 skáldaður

🇰🇿 ойдан шығарылған

🇬🇪 გამოგონილი

🇦🇿 uydurma

🇲🇽 ficcionalizado