figment

/'figmənt/

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Word: Figment

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "figment" is something that is made up or imagined. It’s not real but exists only in someone's mind. People often use this word to describe ideas or things that don’t actually exist in reality.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "figment" when you want to talk about something imaginary or when someone believes in something that is not real.
• It is often used in phrases like "a figment of the imagination."

Example Sentence:

• "The creature he described was just a figment of his imagination; there was no evidence it ever existed."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "figment" can be used to describe concepts or beliefs that are not grounded in reality, often critiquing someone's unrealistic ideas or perceptions.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "figment," but it can be part of phrases like "figmental" (adjective) which relates to something imaginary.

Different Meanings:

While "figment" primarily refers to something imaginary, it can also imply a false belief or misconception about something.

Synonyms:

• Illusion
• Fantasy
• Fabrication
• Invention

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "figment," but you might encounter phrases like "a figment of one's imagination" which emphasizes the idea of something being completely imaginary.

Summary:

In summary, "figment" is a noun that refers to an imaginary idea or something that is not real.

Academic

Noun

1. a contrived or fantastic idea
   • a figment of the imagination