Describing something that is not based on or derived from facts; lacking factual accuracy or truth; unsupported by evidence. It implies a divergence from verifiable reality, encompassing statements, claims, or accounts that are untrue, misleading, or speculative. The term highlights the absence of factual backing, emphasizing the subjectivity or fictional nature of the subject matter, and often suggests a potential for misrepresentation or deception. The degree to which something is considered non-factual can vary greatly, ranging from innocent misunderstandings to deliberate falsehoods. It stands in contrast to information that is demonstrably true and supported by reliable sources.
Non-factual meaning with examples
- The politician's speech, riddled with exaggerated claims and unsubstantiated figures regarding the economic downturn, was largely considered a non-factual representation of the current financial situation. Critics immediately pointed out the disparity between his assertions and the available data, highlighting the lack of factual basis for his arguments. These critiques aimed to expose the misleading nature of the political message.
- The novel, with its fantastical creatures and magical settings, presented a compelling narrative, but it was, by definition, non-factual. The author's use of imagination created an intriguing story, deliberately divorced from real-world events and scientific principles. The characters are the focus of the story; therefore the story itself needs to be understood within the context of fictional writing.
- The advertisement, designed to sell a new health supplement, contained several non-factual assertions regarding its efficacy. The claims of instant weight loss and complete elimination of age-related health problems lacked scientific validation. Consumers who trusted these non-factual claims felt disappointed with the product and were therefore misled by the marketing team.
- During the heated debate about climate change, the arguments presented by the opposing side were quickly dismissed as non-factual. They failed to provide any legitimate research and were considered a collection of unsubstantiated claims. The debate therefore became a battle of facts versus opinions that were lacking in evidence and were easily disputed by anyone with a basic grasp of the scientific concepts.
- Conspiracy theories often rely on non-factual information to support their premises, creating a narrative that deviates from established reality. By selecting isolated pieces of evidence and contorting it to support their narrative, such theories often lack validation and are often seen as a deliberate attempt to distort factual truth. The belief system is built upon this core tenant and it remains to the holder.