What Is the Difference Between Fact & Fiction?
Fact and fiction both derive from Latin words and both begin with F. Otherwise, fact and fiction are the opposite of each other. In order to call something a fact, it must have been verified to be true. Fiction, on the other hand, is something which has been made up and is not accurate in reality.
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Definition of Fact
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According to the Free Dictionary, fact can be defined one of four ways. Firstly, a fact can be a statement about information obtained from real occurrences. A fact can also be something that has been demonstrated to exist. If something can be verified as true from observation and experience, then it is also called a fact. Facts, therefore, are true. In fact, the word "fact" derives from the Latin word "factum" which means something done.
Definition of Fiction
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Fiction, according to the Free Dictionary, is a pretense or creation which has been invented, or something which is a lie. Fiction writers create literary works which are not entirely based on fact, or not based on fact at all. Fiction also refers to the category of literature that has been created by an inventor's creative imagination. Fiction, therefore, is made-up and not true. The word "fiction" is derived from the Latin verb "fingere", which means "to form".
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Fact Versus Fiction in Books
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Fiction books are those books where at least some of the storyline and content has been created by the author, and is not based on fact. All novels are fiction, as the characters are imaginary.
Books based on fact are generally called non-fiction books, and examples are textbooks for studying and autobiographies. Non-fiction books may also contain fiction (in the sense of statements that may not be true and are not verifiable).
Checking Facts and Identifying Fiction
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When presented with a written or verbal statement that may contain facts, may be fiction, or may contain a mixture of both, you should check reference material to sort what is verifiable from what is unverifiable (or the truth from the lies). Useful reference resources that are trustworthy are textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries or reputable websites.
Recognizing Fact and Fiction
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Although a commentator can sound knowledgeable on an issue and her reasoning seems sound, critical thinking skills can be used to break down her argument into fact and fiction. In this case, fiction refers to the commentator's opinion. For example, if she said that apples are fruits, this would be a fact. If she said "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", this would be a statement of opinion and a fiction, as eating an apple everyday has not been verified to prevent medical issues.
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References
- Photo Credit apple image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com
