Figment is a word that means something imagined or created in the mind. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈfɪɡ.mənt/. The first sound /f/ is pronounced by putting your upper teeth on your lower lip and blowing air out. The 'i' sound in the second syllable is pronounced like 'ih' as in 'sit'. The 'g' sound is pronounced like 'j' in 'jam'. The final syllable 'ment' is pronounced like 'ment' in 'comment'. The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Figment is a noun that refers to something imaginary or invented, typically created by the mind. It describes a creation of the imagination, a concept or idea that is not based on reality or fact. This term often implies that the thing in question does not actually exist or is not grounded in truth.
The word "figment" is commonly used to describe an imaginary or fabricated idea or entity, such as a character in a story, a creature in a myth, or an unreal scenario. It emphasizes the notion that the concept or notion is a product of one's own mind rather than a concrete reality. For example, a figment of someone's imagination could be a fictional friend they talk to or an outlandish adventure they believe they have experienced.
The term "figment" also implies the absence of proof or tangible evidence, highlighting its fictitious nature. It often suggests that something is purely a creation of one's thoughts, lacking any physical or objective substance.
In everyday language, the term "figment" can be used to dismiss or question the credibility of an idea or claim. It suggests that the notion is so far removed from reality that it should not be taken seriously.
An invention; something feigned or imagined.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "figment" is derived from the Latin word "figmentum", which means "a thing formed or invented". It stems from the verb "figere", meaning "to form, to shape, or to fashion". The term "figment" entered English in the late 15th century and originally referred to something invented or created by the imagination. Over time, it acquired the specific meaning of a fanciful or unreal occurrence or notion.