# fictional

/ˈfɪkʃənəɫ/ (US) · /fˈɪkʃənəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fictional
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. invented / not real

adjective · CEFR B1

describes a person, place, or thing that is invented for a story and does not exist in real life.

For teachers: denoting characters, locations, or events created by the imagination and not based on historical or physical reality.

- Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character who lives in London.
- The author created a fictional world with its own unique laws of physics and complex social structures.

### 2. containing invented elements

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a story or book that uses some made-up parts even if it is based on real events.

For teachers: relating to the genre of fiction; containing elements of invention or imaginative construction.

- The film is a fictional account of the king's early life.
- The memoir was criticised for its fictional elements, as several key witnesses claimed the events did not occur as described.

## Examples

- The story takes place in a fictional city in Europe.
- The author created a fictional detective who solves crimes using only his sense of smell.
- While the setting is entirely fictional, the social tensions depicted in the novel are clearly inspired by the author's own experiences in post-war London.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.