Reality vs. Fiction: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Reality refers to the actual world and events that exist or occur, while fiction is imaginative storytelling that invents events, characters, or settings not based on reality.
Key Differences
Reality encompasses the actual events, entities, and phenomena that exist and occur in the physical world. It's bound by the laws of nature and factual evidence. In contrast, fiction is a construct of imagination, often manifested in literature, art, or entertainment. It is not constrained by real-world facts or logic, allowing creative freedom and exploration of hypothetical scenarios.
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Nov 18, 2023
While reality is objective and consistent, based on empirical evidence and observable facts, fiction is subjective and varies based on the creator's vision and the audience's interpretation. Reality provides a shared experience grounded in common truths, whereas fiction offers a diverse array of experiences, shaped by artistic expression and personal imagination.
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Nov 18, 2023
In reality, events and experiences are often predictable and governed by natural laws, leading to expected outcomes. Fiction, however, can defy these laws, presenting alternative realities, fantastical elements, and imaginative twists that are not possible in the real world. This difference highlights the boundless nature of fiction compared to the structured framework of reality.
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Nov 18, 2023
Reality is often perceived through sensory experiences and scientific understanding, providing a concrete basis for knowledge and learning. Fiction, on the other hand, is experienced through emotional and intellectual engagement, often evoking feelings and thoughts that transcend everyday reality. It allows for the exploration of concepts, themes, and emotions that might not be readily present in the real world.
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Nov 18, 2023
The relationship between reality and fiction is complex; while they are distinct, fiction often draws inspiration from reality. It uses real-world elements to create relatable and compelling narratives. Conversely, reality can be influenced by fiction, with imaginative ideas and stories inspiring real-world changes and innovations.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Actual, factual, and observable
Imaginative, created, and hypothetical
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Boundaries
Limited by physical laws and truth
Unlimited, not constrained by reality
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Influence
Shapes understanding and perception
Inspires creativity and thought
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Reality and Fiction Definitions
Reality
Actual being or existence, as opposed to an imaginary or idealized existence.
The reality of the situation became clear during the crisis.
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Fiction
Something invented or imaginary.
The story of the Loch Ness monster is largely considered fiction.
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Reality
The totality of real things and events.
Virtual reality attempts to mimic the complexity of the real world.
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Fiction
The class of literature comprising works of imaginative narration.
Classic fiction often reflects the societal norms of its time.
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Nov 18, 2023
Reality
Truth or fact, as opposed to imagination or illusion.
The documentary aimed to show the stark reality of life in war zones.
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Reality
The state of things as they exist.
The reality of gravity is evident when an apple falls from a tree.
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Fiction
Literature or content created from imagination.
Her latest novel is a work of fiction set in a futuristic world.
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Nov 18, 2023
Reality
The quality of being lifelike or resembling the real thing.
The reality of the movie's special effects was astonishing.
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Nov 18, 2023
Fiction
The category of literature, drama, film, or other creative work whose content is imagined and is not necessarily based on fact.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.).
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Oct 19, 2023
Reality
The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Reality
That which exists objectively and in fact
Your observations do not seem to be about reality.
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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).
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Reality
A real entity, event, or other fact.
The ultimate reality of life is that it ends in death.
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Fiction
The act of feigning, inventing, or imagining; as, by a mere fiction of the mind.
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Reality
An individual observer's own subjective perception of that which is real.
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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.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fiction
An assumption of a possible thing as a fact, irrespective of the question of its truth.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fiction
Any like assumption made for convenience, as for passing more rapidly over what is not disputed, and arriving at points really at issue.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fiction
A literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
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Oct 19, 2023
Fiction
A narrative form, often not based on fact.
Science fiction explores themes beyond the current understanding of science.
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Nov 18, 2023
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
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Reality
The state of being actual or real;
The reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
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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
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are documentaries a form of reality or fiction?
Documentaries are a form of reality as they aim to depict factual content, although they can include artistic elements.
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Can fiction influence reality?
Yes, fiction can influence reality by inspiring ideas, shaping perceptions, and sometimes predicting future developments.
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How does fiction benefit society?
Fiction benefits society by fostering creativity, providing escapism, and presenting new perspectives and ideas.
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Is reality always truthful?
Reality is based on factual evidence, but individual perceptions of it can vary, leading to different interpretations of the truth.
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Can reality be subjective?
While reality itself is objective, individual perceptions and interpretations of it can be subjective.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is the role of fiction in education?
Fiction plays a role in education by developing critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of diverse perspectives.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are all novels considered fiction?
Most novels are fiction, but some may include non-fictional elements or be based on real events.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is science fiction a reflection of reality?
Science fiction often reflects reality by extrapolating current scientific knowledge into future possibilities.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is magical realism in fiction?
Magical realism in fiction blends realistic settings with magical or fantastical elements.
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What defines reality in literature?
In literature, reality refers to situations, characters, or settings that are plausible and grounded in the real world.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is historical fiction a blend of reality and fiction?
Yes, historical fiction blends reality (historical facts) with fictional elements (invented characters or events).
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Nov 18, 2023
Can fiction lead to real-life emotions?
Yes, fiction can evoke real-life emotions, such as empathy, fear, or joy, in its audience.
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Nov 18, 2023
Do people perceive reality differently?
Yes, people can perceive reality differently based on their experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
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Why is fiction important in culture?
Fiction is important in culture as it reflects societal values, fosters imagination, and contributes to cultural identity.
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How does reality TV differ from actual reality?
Reality TV often involves scripted or staged scenarios, making it less authentic than actual reality.
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Can fiction become reality?
Some fictional concepts can become reality, especially in technological and scientific advancements.
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Nov 18, 2023
What distinguishes fiction in art?
In art, fiction is distinguished by imaginative, non-realistic representations and creative storytelling.
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How does virtual reality relate to actual reality?
Virtual reality simulates actual reality through digital environments, offering an immersive experience.
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Nov 18, 2023
Does fiction always include fantastical elements?
No, fiction can be realistic and not include fantastical elements, as seen in genres like realistic fiction.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is non-fiction the opposite of fiction?
Yes, non-fiction refers to content based on facts and real events, making it the opposite of fiction.
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Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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