What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
figment
Example
The unicorn in the story was a figment of the author's imagination. [figment: noun]
Example
I thought I saw a ghost, but it turned out to be a figment of my imagination. [figment: noun]
delusion
Example
He was under the delusion that he could fly and jumped off the roof. [delusion: noun]
Example
She suffered from delusions of grandeur, believing she was a famous actress. [delusions: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Figment is a less common word than delusion in everyday language. Figment is typically used in creative writing or artistic contexts, while delusion is used more broadly to describe false beliefs or perceptions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between figment and delusion?
Both figment and delusion are formal words that are typically used in more serious or academic contexts. However, delusion is more commonly used in medical or psychological contexts, while figment is more commonly used in literary or artistic contexts.
