Fictionalize

/ˈfɪkʃənəlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To convert real events, people, or history into a fictional story or narrative; to adapt something true into a fictional form.

Etymology

Combines 'fictional' with the verb-forming suffix '-ize,' which means 'to make' or 'to cause to be.' The '-ize' suffix comes from Greek and is incredibly productive in English.

Kelly Says

Fictionalize is what authors do when they take a true event and add dramatic elements, change names, or invent dialogue—it's the magic trick that turns journalism into novels!

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