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fanciful

adjective

/ˈfansɪfʊl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fanciful

Characterized by imaginative, whimsical, or highly creative qualities.
"The artist's imagination ran wild, creating fanciful landscapes."

Detailed meaning of fanciful

When something is described as fanciful, it implies a departure from reality or a departure from the ordinary, often embracing elements of imagination and playfulness. This term can be applied to various aspects of life, such as a fanciful story filled with imaginative creatures and adventures, a fanciful piece of art that blends reality and fantasy, or a fanciful idea or concept that is not bound by practicality or realism. "Fanciful" underscores the idea of being imaginative and unconventional, often highlighting a sense of wonder, creativity, and a departure from the mundane.

Example sentences containing fanciful

1. The children listened in awe as the storyteller spun fanciful tales of enchanted lands.
2. The artist's paintings were filled with fanciful creatures and dreamlike landscapes.
3. Her fanciful imagination led her to envision worlds beyond the ordinary.
4. The novel combined historical facts with fanciful elements to create a unique narrative.
5. The costume party encouraged guests to dress up in fanciful and imaginative outfits.
6. The architecture of the building featured fanciful details that added charm to the design.

History and etymology of fanciful

The adjective 'fanciful' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'fantsy,' which means 'imagination' or 'fantasy.' In Middle English, 'fantsy' referred to the faculty of the imagination or the creative power of the mind. Over time, the term evolved into 'fanciful,' which describes something characterized by imaginative, whimsical, or highly creative qualities. 'Fanciful' implies a departure from strict realism, embracing the imaginative and fantastical aspects of creativity. It is often used to describe artistic works, ideas, or stories that transport us into imaginative realms, where the boundaries of reality are stretched, and the mind is free to explore the whimsical and imaginative.

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Further usage examples of fanciful

1. The novelist weaved a fanciful romance into the backdrop of a bustling city.
2. The garden was adorned with fanciful sculptures that seemed to come from a fairy tale.
3. The circus performers amazed the audience with their fanciful acrobatics and tricks.
4. The movie took viewers on a journey through a fanciful realm of magic and wonder.
5. The playwright's dialogue was filled with fanciful language that transported the audience to a different era.
6. The chef's fanciful dessert creations were a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
7. The fashion designer's collection showcased a range of fanciful and extravagant gowns.
8. The poet's fanciful metaphors painted vivid pictures in the minds of readers.
9. The architecture of the whimsical castle was a testament to the owner's fanciful vision.
10. The children's book was filled with fanciful illustrations that brought the story to life.
11. The musical composition featured fanciful melodies that captured the essence of a dream.
12. The artist's abstract paintings were a reflection of his fanciful thoughts and emotions.
13. The novelist's fanciful approach to storytelling pushed the boundaries of traditional genres.
14. The garden party featured fanciful decorations that transformed the space into a fairyland.