What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fictitious
Example
The book is a work of fiction, with fictitious characters and events. [fictitious: adjective]
Example
The company's financial reports were found to contain fictitious data. [fictitious: adjective]
imaginary
Example
As a child, I had an imaginary friend who I would play with. [imaginary: adjective]
Example
The artist's painting depicted an imaginary world full of fantastical creatures. [imaginary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fictitious and imaginary are both common words in English, but fictitious is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, while imaginary is more commonly used in casual or informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fictitious and imaginary?
Fictitious is more formal than imaginary, which is often used in casual or informal contexts.
