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 it was light and nothing, no tongue, and it was beautiful, it was 'The Princess Bride,'" she said, adding that it feels like such a figment that Taddeo doesn’t even remember how it happened.

From Salon

An imaginary friend is one thing for a child and quite another for a 38-year-old man who drinks excessively with this figment every night.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps it’s the Figment tattoo, or the plethora of monorail-inspired artwork in my home, items I justify as being a fan of art and design.

From Los Angeles Times

Let’s just say the fireman’s pole that Susann’s publisher Bernard Geis makes new female hires slither down to gauge their willingness to put up with on-the-job sexual harassment is not a figment of Paul’s editorial license in “Scandalous Women” — out Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps it’s the Figment tattoo, or the plethora of monorail-inspired artwork in my home, items I justify as being a fan of art and design.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• daydream