Reality vs. Fiction — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Reality refers to the state of things as they exist, whereas Fiction is a narrative derived from imagination and not based strictly on fact.
Difference Between Reality and Fiction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reality is what we perceive through our senses; it's the world around us and the facts, events, or circumstances that exist and are observable. Fiction, on the other hand, is born from imagination, often weaving tales that might not adhere to the constraints of the real world.
In Reality, events unfold organically, influenced by a multitude of factors beyond any single entity's control. Fiction is a creation where events are orchestrated, characters are developed, and outcomes are determined by the creator or writer.
The realm of Reality is vast, encompassing everything that is, has been, or will be. It's a mosaic of truths that shape our understanding. Fiction serves as a mirror to reality, reflecting, distorting, or even challenging our perceptions through imaginative tales.
While Reality is constrained by the laws of nature and the universe, Fiction knows no such bounds. It can defy gravity, challenge time, or craft worlds entirely different from our own. Yet, both can influence one another: Reality inspiring stories of Fiction, and Fiction influencing our interpretation of Reality.
Comparison Chart
Basis
Observable facts and truths
Imagination
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Constraints
Bound by laws of nature
No inherent constraints
Purpose
Existence
Entertainment, reflection, education
Verification
Can be verified through evidence
Not necessarily verifiable
Outcome Determination
Events unfold organically
Creator determines events
Compare with Definitions
Reality
A tangible or factual existence.
Virtual experiences can't replace reality.
Fiction
A false statement or belief.
The rumor was pure fiction and had no basis in fact.
Reality
The sum of real things and events.
We need to differentiate dreams from reality.
Fiction
Imaginative content diverging from reality.
Sci-fi is a genre of fiction that explores futuristic concepts.
Reality
What is actual rather than imagined.
The documentary showed the harsh reality of war.
Fiction
Narrative literature as opposed to fact.
Historical fiction is a blend of real events and imaginative tales.
Reality
Actual existence or occurrence.
The reality of climate change is undeniable.
Fiction
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.
Reality
Reality is the sum or aggregate of all that is real or existent within a system, as opposed to that which is only imaginary. The term is also used to refer to the ontological status of things, indicating their existence.
Fiction
Literature in the form of prose, especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.
Reality
The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them
Laura was losing touch with reality
He refuses to face reality
Fiction
Something that is invented or untrue
They were supposed to be keeping up the fiction that they were happily married
Reality
The state or quality of having existence or substance
Youth, when death has no reality
Fiction
The category of literature, drama, film, or other creative work whose content is imagined and is not necessarily based on fact.
Reality
The quality or state of being actual or true.
Fiction
Works in this category
The fiction of Virginia Woolf.
Reality
One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual
"the weight of history and political realities" (Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.).
Fiction
A work within this category
The shorter fictions of Faulkner.
Reality
The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
Fiction
Narrative, explanatory material, or belief that is not true or has been imagined or fabricated
The notion that he was at the scene of the crime is pure fiction.
Reality
That which exists objectively and in fact
Your observations do not seem to be about reality.
Fiction
A narrative, explanation, or belief that may seem true but is false or fabricated
"Neutrality is a fiction in an unneutral world" (Howard Zinn).
Reality
Relating to or being a genre of television or film in which a storyline is created by editing footage of people interacting or competing with one another in unscripted, unrehearsed situations.
Fiction
(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.
Reality
The state of being actual or real; realness.
The reality of the crash scene on TV dawned upon him only when he saw the victim was no actor but his friend.
Fiction
(literature) Literary type using invented or imaginative writing, instead of real facts, usually written as prose.
I am a great reader of fiction.
The fiction section of the library
Reality
The real world.
Fiction
A verbal or written account that is not based on actual events (often intended to mislead).
The company’s accounts contained a number of blatant fictions.
The butler’s account of the crime was pure fiction.
Separate the fact from the fiction
Reality
A real entity, event, or other fact.
The ultimate reality of life is that it ends in death.
Fiction
(legal) A legal fiction.
Reality
The entirety of all that is real.
Fiction
The act of feigning, inventing, or imagining; as, by a mere fiction of the mind.
Reality
An individual observer's own subjective perception of that which is real.
Fiction
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.
The fiction of those golden apples kept by a dragon.
When it could no longer be denied that her flight had been voluntary, numerous fictions were invented to account for it.
Reality
(obsolete) loyalty; devotion.
Fiction
Fictitious literature; comprehensively, all works of imagination; specifically, novels and romances.
The office of fiction as a vehicle of instruction and moral elevation has been recognized by most if not all great educators.
Reality
; real estate.
Fiction
An assumption of a possible thing as a fact, irrespective of the question of its truth.
Reality
The state or quality of being real; actual being or existence of anything, in distinction from mere appearance; fact.
A man fancies that he understands a critic, when in reality he does not comprehend his meaning.
Fiction
Any like assumption made for convenience, as for passing more rapidly over what is not disputed, and arriving at points really at issue.
Reality
That which is real; an actual existence; that which is not imagination, fiction, or pretense; that which has objective existence, and is not merely an idea.
And to realities yield all her shows.
My neck may be an idea to you, but it is a reality to me.
Fiction
A literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
Reality
Loyalty; devotion.
To express our reality to the emperor.
Fiction
A deliberately false or improbable account
Reality
See 2d Realty, 2.
Fiction
Literature created from imagination.
She delved into the fiction section of the bookstore.
Reality
All of your experiences that determine how things appear to you;
His world was shattered
We live in different worlds
For them demons were as much a part of reality as trees were
Fiction
A fabricated story or explanation.
His alibi turned out to be a fiction crafted to deceive.
Reality
The state of being actual or real;
The reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
Reality
The state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be;
Businessmen have to face harsh realities
Reality
The quality possessed by something that is real
Reality
The state of things as they exist.
She faced the reality of her financial situation.
Common Curiosities
Can Reality inspire Fiction?
Absolutely, many fictional stories are inspired by real-life events or experiences.
Are documentaries considered Fiction?
No, documentaries aim to depict Reality and factual information.
Is all Fiction completely made up?
No, some Fiction can be based on real events but with added imaginative elements.
Can Reality be subjective?
Yes, people may perceive Reality differently based on their experiences, but certain facts remain objective.
Why do people enjoy Fiction?
Fiction offers escape, entertainment, reflection, and can provide insights into the human experience.
Are biographies considered Fiction?
No, biographies are accounts of real lives, making them non-Fiction.
Do all cultures interpret Fiction the same way?
No, cultural context can influence the interpretation and reception of Fiction.
Is reality TV true Reality?
While based on real people and events, reality TV often includes staged or exaggerated scenarios, blurring Reality and Fiction.
Can Fiction affect our perception of Reality?
Yes, fictional narratives can shape our beliefs, perceptions, and understanding of the real world.
Why is it important to distinguish Reality from Fiction?
Understanding the difference ensures informed decision-making and helps avoid misconceptions.
Is our perception of Reality always accurate?
Not always. Cognitive biases, misinformation, and personal experiences can distort one's perception of Reality.
Can Fiction predict Reality?
While not intended as predictions, some Fiction, especially science fiction, has anticipated real-world advancements.
Can Fiction be educational?
Yes, Fiction can offer insights, moral lessons, and knowledge, even if the narrative is imagined.
What's the opposite of Fiction in literature?
Non-fiction, which is based on facts and Reality.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
