ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nonfiction

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //nɑnˈfɪkʃən// UK //nˌɒnfˈɪkʃən// non·fic·tion

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.


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.

Origin

From non- + fiction.

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'.

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