What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fictional
Example
The Harry Potter series is a fictional story set in a magical world. [fictional: adjective]
Example
The author created a fictional character who was a detective. [fictional: adjective]
fictitious
Example
The witness gave a fictitious account of what happened. [fictitious: adjective]
Example
The company claimed to have a fictitious product that could cure all diseases. [fictitious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fictional is more commonly used than fictitious in everyday language, especially in the context of literature, movies, and other works of art. Fictitious is less common and is usually used in more formal or legal contexts to describe false or misleading statements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fictional and fictitious?
Fictitious is generally considered more formal than fictional, as it is often used in legal or official contexts to describe false or misleading statements. Fictional, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe works of art.
