Nonfactual

Nonfactual describes something that is not based on or concerned with facts. It indicates a lack of verifiable truth, reality, or concrete evidence. This can apply to information, claims, narratives, or statements that are untrue, invented, hypothetical, or based on speculation, opinion, or belief rather than documented events or data. A nonfactual account can be deliberately misleading, unintentionally incorrect, or purely fictional. The term emphasizes the absence of factual accuracy and the reliance on elements other than confirmed reality, highlighting a deviation from established, objective truths. Consequently, nonfactual content should be approached with caution, requiring critical evaluation and verification against credible sources to determine its reliability and veracity.

Nonfactual meaning with examples

• The novel, a work of historical fiction, presented a largely nonfactual account of the events, incorporating fictional characters and imagined scenarios into the established historical narrative. Readers were warned that it was a fictionalized story, not a factual retelling of events. This allows writers creative license to weave stories while being entertaining to the reader.
• The sensationalist news report was criticized for presenting a nonfactual portrayal of the situation, exaggerating the impact of the event with unsubstantiated claims and emotional appeals, generating a widespread sense of alarm based on rumors. The journalist faced serious ethical issues. Sources were not properly attributed.
• Despite the enthusiastic presentation, the salesperson's pitch relied on a nonfactual representation of the product's capabilities, omitting critical limitations and exaggerating its benefits, resulting in several dissatisfied customers. Claims were unsubstantiated.
• The conspiracy theory presented a complex and highly nonfactual explanation for the events, weaving together disjointed observations with speculative interpretations that were not supported by scientific evidence. The arguments had little to no basis in fact.
• Children's fairy tales, by their very nature, often contain elements of magic and fantasy that render them nonfactual. While the lessons may be valuable, the setting and the characters, the events, and their narratives, are all based on pure imagination.