Pronunciation: [fˈɪkʃənə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "fictional" (fɪk.ʃən.əl) is spelled with a "ction" instead of a "xion" because of its Latin root word "fictio", which means "a making or creating". Therefore, the spelling of "fictional" includes the letters "ct" instead of an "x" to accurately represent its origin. The word is commonly used to describe something that is not real or imaginary, such as a fictional character or a fictional story.
Fictional, as an adjective, refers to something that is created or invented by the imagination rather than being based on reality. It refers to a concept, story, character, or event that does not exist in the real world and is purely a product of the imagination or an author's creativity. Works of fiction, such as novels, short stories, plays, or movies, are typically created to entertain or convey ideas through the use of fictional elements.
The adjective can also be used to describe individuals or entities that have been fabricated or imagined, rather than being actual or real. For example, a fictional character can refer to a person, animal, or creature that exists solely within the context of a narrative or literary work. These characters can be richly developed and exhibit realistic qualities, emotions, and backstories, while ultimately remaining products of the author's imagination.
Fictional can also describe a scenario where imaginary or untrue information is presented, whether intentionally or unintentionally, leading others to believe it as fact. In this sense, it can refer to something that is not genuine, real, or based on actual events. It is important to differentiate between fictional and non-fictional works, as the former may be purely imaginative or artistic, while the latter strives for accuracy and truthfulness in its portrayals of people, events, or concepts.
* 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 "fictional" is derived from the Latin word "fictiōnālis", which comes from the noun "fictiō" meaning "a fashioning or feigning". "Fictiō" itself is derived from the verb "fingere", which means "to form, shape, or invent". Over time, "fictiōnālis" entered Old French as "fictional" and eventually made its way into English with the same spelling and meaning, referring to something invented or imagined rather than based on reality.
