Word
Definition
n. writing that is about real people, places, and events rather than made-up stories. You read this when you want to learn facts or true information.
n. prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people, such as biography or history. Often contrasted with fiction.
Examples
“I prefer reading nonfiction because I like learning about history.”
“The library has a large section for nonfiction, including books on science, cooking, and travel.”
“While the author uses a narrative style that feels like a novel, the book is strictly nonfiction, supported by extensive primary source research and interviews.”
Examples
simple
“I prefer reading nonfiction because I like learning about history.”
contextual
“The library has a large section for nonfiction, including books on science, cooking, and travel.”
complex
“While the author uses a narrative style that feels like a novel, the book is strictly nonfiction, supported by extensive primary source research and interviews.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the genre; can be used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'nonfiction book').
Pitfall
I read a nonfiction about space.
I read a nonfiction book about space.
Nonfiction refers to the category of writing; to refer to a single item, use 'nonfiction book' or 'work of nonfiction'.
Etymology
From non- + fiction.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/nonfiction
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR