Nonfiction
/ˌnɒnˈfɪkʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsWriting that presents facts and real events, rather than imagined stories.
/ˌnɒnˈfɪkʃən/
Writing or publications that are based on facts and real events.
She prefers reading nonfiction because she enjoys learning about different cultures.
💡 Simply: Nonfiction is like reading about things that really happened, or are true. Think of it as reading a biography, a news article, or a history book. Unlike fiction, these stories are based on real events and facts.
👶 For kids: Nonfiction is writing about things that are true and real, like books about animals or history.
More Examples
The library has a wide selection of nonfiction books on science and history.
Memoirs and biographies fall under the category of nonfiction.
How It's Used
"The bookstore had a large section dedicated to nonfiction."
"Students are encouraged to read both fiction and nonfiction to expand their knowledge."
Based on real events and facts; not fictional.
/ˌnɒnˈfɪkʃən/
Describing works that are based on facts and real events.
She writes primarily nonfiction books, focusing on environmental issues.
💡 Simply: Something that is nonfiction means it's true. A nonfiction book is based on real events and information. It's the opposite of a made-up story or movie.
👶 For kids: Nonfiction means real! Like a book about real animals is nonfiction.
More Examples
The museum had a nonfiction exhibit about ancient civilizations.
The nonfiction film documented the explorer's journey.
How It's Used
"The author's nonfiction work was praised for its accuracy."
"We are looking for nonfiction manuscripts."
From non- + fiction, coined as a term to classify literature in opposition to fictional works. Emerged in the early 20th century.
The term 'nonfiction' gained widespread use in the 20th century to distinguish factual works from fictional ones, particularly as literary genres and publishing practices evolved.
Memory tip
Think of 'non' (not) 'fiction'. It's what's *not* made up.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: non- (Latin 'not') + fiction (Latin 'something feigned')