Fictitious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fictitious
[fɪkˈtɪʃəs ]
Definitions
invented
Not real or true, being imaginary or invented rather than actual.
Synonyms
false, fictional, imaginary, made-up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fictitious |
Appropriate for describing something that is invented and does not exist in reality, often used in legal or formal contexts.
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| imaginary |
Refers to something that exists only in the mind and is not real, often used in contexts related to creativity or fantasy.
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| fictional |
Mostly used for characters, stories, or events that are invented and exist in literature, movies, or other creative works.
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| made-up |
Used for something that is invented, often informally, and can sometimes imply that it is not to be taken seriously.
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| false |
Used for things that are deliberately made to deceive or are incorrect, often carrying a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He gave a fictitious name to the police officer.
- The story was based on a fictitious character.
- She provided fictitious details in her application.
pretend
Imaginary or not real, used to describe something that is made to appear real in order to deceive.
Synonyms
false, feigned, pretend, unreal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fictitious |
Used to describe something that is invented or not real, often in books, movies, or stories.
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| false |
Used when referring to something that is not true or is meant to deceive, with a connotation of dishonesty or error.
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| feigned |
Used when describing something that is pretended or fake, typically an emotion or reaction, often with a connotation of deception.
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| pretend |
Commonly used to describe making believe or creating an illusion, often in play or imaginative scenarios.
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| unreal |
Used to describe something that seems too strange or fantastic to be true, or something that is not real.
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Examples of usage
- The company created a fictitious advertisement to attract customers.
- The scam involved the use of fictitious documents.
- He was accused of providing fictitious data in his research.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many of the most beloved stories, like 'Harry Potter' or 'The Great Gatsby', feature fictitious characters and settings.
- Fictitious elements allow authors to explore ideas and themes beyond the limitations of reality.
Psychology
- People often create fictitious scenarios in their minds as a way to cope or escape from reality.
- Fictional narratives can influence our emotions and actions, demonstrating the impact of imaginative constructs.
Film & Television
- Movies and TV shows often create fictitious worlds that engage audiences, like 'Star Wars' or 'The Simpsons'.
- Fictitious documentaries, or mockumentaries, use this concept to blend reality with imaginative storytelling in a humorous way.
History
- Fictitious accounts have been used in propaganda throughout history to sway public opinion.
- Literary works that are deemed fictitious can sometimes reflect real societal issues, blurring the line between reality and imagination.
Origin of 'fictitious'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'ficticius', meaning 'made up' or 'artificial'.
- In the early 19th century, the term began to gain popularity in English to describe invented characters and stories.
The word 'fictitious' originated from the Latin word 'ficticius', meaning 'artificial' or 'feigned'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of fiction and imagination has been an integral part of human culture, leading to the development and use of words like 'fictitious' to describe things that are not real or true.