# fictitious

/fɪkˈtɪʃəs/ (US) · /fɪktˈɪʃəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fictitious
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not real or true, but made up as part of a story. You use this to describe characters, names, or events that only exist in books or movies.

For teachers: invented or imaginary; not existing in fact. Often used to describe literary creations or false identities created for deception.

## Examples

- The story is set in a fictitious town in the mountains.
- To protect her privacy, the author used a fictitious name when she checked into the hotel.
- The legal team argued that the evidence was based on fictitious accounts provided by witnesses who were not present at the scene.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a fictional character" but "a fictitious character" — While often interchangeable, 'fictional' usually refers to literature, whereas 'fictitious' often implies a false or deceptive invention like a fake name or address.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently contrasted with 'factual' or 'biographical'.

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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.