Fact vs Fiction
It is clear that there is a significant difference between fact and fiction in terms of their meanings. Fact refers to a true event or occurrence, while fiction is an imaginative creation. Novels and short stories are considered fiction due to their fictitious and imaginative nature.
Key Takeaways
- Fact is a true happening, based on truth, and is not created by the mind.
- Fiction is an imaginative creation, based on imagination, and cannot be perceived or experienced.
- The word “fact” comes from the Latin word “factum,” while the word “fiction” comes from the Latin word “fictio.”
What is Fact?
The word “fact” is derived from the Latin term “factum,” which means an occurrence or an event. Fact is based on truth and cannot be created; it can only be experienced or perceived. For example, an autobiography is a narration of one’s self-experience or perception, and it is not created. Fact is an already existing event or phenomenon, such as the rising of the sun in the east, which is a perceived and experienced event with no connection to the mind.
What is Fiction?
Conversely, the word “fiction” comes from the Latin term “fictio,” meaning something that is feigned or shaped. “Feign” means to imagine, indicating that fiction is based on imagination. Fiction is an imaginative creation that can only be made by the author or poet, and it cannot be perceived or experienced. Unlike fact, fiction is entirely connected to the mind. It is born from the creativity of the poet or author, who selects the most suitable words and senses to build a poem or novel.
What is the difference between Fact and Fiction?
- The main difference between fact and fiction is that fact is a true incident, while fiction is an imaginative creation.
- Fact has no connection to the mind, as it is an already existing event or phenomenon, while fiction is entirely related to the mind.
- The origins of the words “fact” and “fiction” also show a difference. “Fact” is derived from the Latin word “factum,” while “fiction” comes from the Latin word “fictio.”
- Fact is based on truth, while fiction is based on imagination.
