figment

[fig-muhnt]

noun

1. a mere product of mental invention; a fantastic notion.

   The noises in the attic were just a figment of his imagination.

2. a feigned, invented, or imagined story, theory, etc..

   biographical and historical figments.

figment

/ ˈfɪɡmənt /

noun

1. a fantastic notion, invention, or fabrication

   a figment of the imagination

Word History and Origins

Origin of figment¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin figmentum “something made or feigned,” equivalent to fig- (base of fingere “to mold, feign”) + -mentum -ment; fiction ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of figment¹

C15: from Late Latin figmentum a fiction, from Latin fingere to shape

Synonym Study

See fiction.

Example Sentences

And if this ends up being nothing more than a figment of my imagination, where’s the harm in choosing not to question it, if it gives me something I’ve been so painfully missing.

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Who knows, maybe the daughter is a figment of her imagination too, though I don’t think the movie supports such a reading.

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At the time, the threat from Hamilton was so distant as to be almost a figment of the imagination.

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But how well will they win - and how intoxicating will that half-back partnership prove now that it is almost a reality rather than an exciting figment of the imagination?

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As a figment of Charles’ imagination, Sazz is always in a suit and a porkpie hat.

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Related Words

• daydream