Science Fiction: Definition, Examples & Genre Guide

Meaning 1：sci-fi stories (Science Fiction)

Science Fiction 🔊

/ˈsaɪəns ˈfɪkʃən/

Stories about imagined future worlds with advanced technology, aliens, space travel, etc.

Students discussing science fiction book about robots and space

sci-fi stories 🔊

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/ˈsaɪ faɪ ˈstɔːriz/

A genre of fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science, technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life.

📁 Category：Space Exploration 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'scientia' (knowledge) + 'fictio' (a shaping, feigning).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'science' + 'fiction' = stories where real science fuels imaginary futures.

📖 Example

My brother and I love watching science fiction movies together and discussing what future technology might be like. 🔊 My brother and I love watching science fiction movies together and discussing what future technology might be like.

🔗 Collocations

science fiction novel – a long fictional story in the science fiction genre

science fiction movie – a film belonging to the science fiction genre

science fiction writer – an author who creates science fiction stories

🔄 Synonyms

sci-fi (n.) – An abbreviation for science fiction, used informally

speculative fiction (n.) – A broad category of fiction encompassing science fiction, fantasy, and horror

future fiction (n.) – Fiction set in the future, often synonymous with science fiction

🚫 Antonyms

realistic fiction (n.) – Fiction that depicts everyday life without speculative elements

historical fiction (n.) – Fiction set in the past, based on historical events

🌱 Derivatives

sci-fi (n.) – Shortened form of science fiction

science-fictional (adj.) – Relating to or characteristic of science fiction

science fictionist (n.) – A writer or enthusiast of science fiction

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'science fiction' was popularized by Hugo Gernsback in the 1920s for stories about future technology and space travel, building on earlier works by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.