Reality vs. Fiction: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 4, 2023
Reality refers to the state of things as they actually exist, while fiction is an imaginative creation or narrative not based on actual events.
Difference Between Reality and Fiction
Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, independent of our perceptions or beliefs. On the other hand, fiction is a product of the imagination, often encompassing stories, characters, and events that may not have actually occurred.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Reality is based on tangible experiences, facts, and truths. It represents the concrete, objective world around us. Contrastingly, fiction often delves into the abstract, drawing upon emotions, dreams, and hypothetical scenarios to tell its tales.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
In reality, the boundaries are defined by the laws of nature, physics, and the shared experiences of the human race. While, fiction can defy these boundaries, creating alternate worlds, reimagining history, or even crafting entirely new universes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
While reality anchors us to the present moment and our shared human experience, fiction provides an escape, allowing readers and viewers to explore different perspectives, times, and worlds. Both serve valuable roles in our understanding and interpretation of existence.
William
Sep 04, 2023
Reality often provides the foundation from which fiction springs. Artists and writers take inspiration from the world around them, adding layers of imagination and creativity to craft fictional narratives. Meanwhile, fiction, in turn, can influence our perception of reality, shaping culture, beliefs, and even our actions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Reality vs. Fiction Comparison Chart
Influence on Perception
Shapes our understanding of the world
Can shape beliefs and cultural norms
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Reality vs. Fiction Definitions
◉Reality
Reality is the state of things as they truly are.
I had to face the reality that I failed the test.
Nolan
Sep 04, 2023
◉Fiction
Fiction is prose literature, especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.
She loved getting lost in a good piece of fiction.
Henry
Sep 04, 2023
◉Reality
Reality represents facts and actual conditions.
The documentary portrayed the stark reality of the war.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉Fiction
Fiction is a narrative not restricted by real-world facts.
His story, while compelling, was purely a work of fiction.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
◉Reality
Reality is what is actual or genuine, not artificial.
The reality was harsher than what he expected.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023
◉Fiction
Fiction is the act of crafting or inventing a story or excuse.
His explanation for his tardiness seemed like fiction.
Nolan
Sep 04, 2023
◉Fiction
Fiction is something feigned, invented, or imagined.
The tale of the giant squid was pure fiction.
Olivia
Sep 04, 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.).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fiction
The category of literature, drama, film, or other creative work whose content is imagined and is not necessarily based on fact.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reality
The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reality
That which exists objectively and in fact
Your observations do not seem to be about reality.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reality
A real entity, event, or other fact.
The ultimate reality of life is that it ends in death.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reality
An individual observer's own subjective perception of that which is real.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fiction
The act of feigning, inventing, or imagining; as, by a mere fiction of the mind.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fiction
An assumption of a possible thing as a fact, irrespective of the question of its truth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fiction
a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reality
the state of being actual or real;
the reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fiction
Fiction represents an alternate reality, often set in worlds created by the imagination.
The fiction novel transported her to a magical realm.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reality
Reality is the aggregate of all that is real or existent.
The virtual game seemed so real, but it couldn't replace reality.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
◉Reality
Reality is the world or the state of things as they exist, as opposed to an idealistic or imaginary idea of them.
Dreams can be delightful, but we all wake up to reality.
Kaitlyn
Sep 04, 2023
Reality vs. Fiction Frequently Asked Questions
What is reality in simple terms?
Reality refers to the state of things as they actually exist.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Can fiction influence our sense of reality?
Yes, fiction can shape our perceptions, beliefs, and even our actions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
How does reality inspire fiction?
Artists and writers draw from real experiences, events, and emotions to craft fictional narratives.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
Why do people often prefer fiction over reality?
Fiction offers an escape, allowing individuals to explore different worlds, emotions, and scenarios.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023
Why is fiction valuable if it's not real?
Fiction provides insights into human experiences, cultures, and emotions, offering perspectives that reality might not.
William
Sep 04, 2023
What does fiction mean in literature?
Fiction is prose literature that describes imaginary events and characters.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Is all fiction completely untrue?
While fiction is imagined, it often draws from real emotions, experiences, and truths, making it relatable and meaningful.
Levi
Sep 04, 2023
Is there always a strict line between reality and fiction?
No, some works blend reality and fiction, challenging our perceptions.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023
How can we determine the reality of a situation?
One can rely on evidence, facts, firsthand experiences, and trustworthy sources to discern reality.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
How do we differentiate between reality and fiction?
Reality is based on tangible experiences and facts, while fiction is a product of imagination.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
Can fiction become reality?
While the events in fiction are imagined, the themes, ideas, or technologies can sometimes inspire real-world changes.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
What role does reality play in our daily lives?
Reality shapes our understanding of the world, influences our decisions, and dictates the rules we live by.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
