What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fictionist
Example
The fictionist's latest novel was a bestseller. [fictionist: noun]
Example
She is a talented fictionist who has won many awards for her short stories. [fictionist: adjective]
novelist
Example
The novelist's latest book was a masterpiece of storytelling. [novelist: noun]
Example
She is a successful novelist who has written several bestsellers. [novelist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Novelist is more commonly used in everyday language than fictionist. While both words are used to describe writers of fiction, novelist is more widely recognized and has a stronger association with professional achievement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fictionist and novelist?
Novelist is generally considered a more formal term than fictionist. It is often used in academic or literary contexts and carries a certain level of prestige and recognition. Fictionist, on the other hand, is a more casual and niche term that may be used in more informal settings.