Factual vs. Fiction — What's the Difference?

Concerned with what is actually the case

Fiction is any creative work (chiefly, any narrative work) consisting of people, events, or places that are imaginary—in other words, not based strictly on history or fact. In its most narrow usage, fiction refers to written narratives in prose and often specifically novels, though also novellas and short stories.

Of the nature of fact; real.

Literature in the form of prose, especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.

Of or containing facts.

Something that is invented or untrue

Pertaining to or consisting of objective claims.

The category of literature, drama, film, or other creative work whose content is imagined and is not necessarily based on fact.

True, accurate, corresponding to reality.

Works in this category

Of or pertaining to facts; as, factual inaccuracies.

A work within this category

Containing only facts (as contrasted with opinions or speculations); as, a factual report.

Narrative, explanatory material, or belief that is not true or has been imagined or fabricated

Of the nature of fact; having actual existence;

A narrative, explanation, or belief that may seem true but is false or fabricated

Of or relating to or characterized by facts;

(Law) A verbal contrivance that is in some sense inaccurate but that accomplishes a purpose, as in the treatment of husband and wife as one person or a corporation as an entity.

Existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not;

(literature) Literary type using invented or imaginative writing, instead of real facts, usually written as prose.

Based on fact;

A verbal or written account that is not based on actual events (often intended to mislead).

Characterized by fact;

(legal) A legal fiction.

The act of feigning, inventing, or imagining; as, by a mere fiction of the mind.

That which is feigned, invented, or imagined; especially, a feigned or invented story, whether oral or written. Hence: A story told in order to deceive; a fabrication; - opposed to fact, or reality.

Fictitious literature; comprehensively, all works of imagination; specifically, novels and romances.

An assumption of a possible thing as a fact, irrespective of the question of its truth.

Any like assumption made for convenience, as for passing more rapidly over what is not disputed, and arriving at points really at issue.

A literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact

A deliberately false or improbable account