Speculative Fiction

Genre of fiction exploring possibilities beyond everyday reality.

sci-fi fantasy science fiction speculative fiction

Speculative fiction is a genre of fiction that explores possibilities beyond those of everyday reality. It often deals with themes such as science, technology, the supernatural, and alternative history.

Pronunciation

/spes.tʃʊˈleɪ.tɪv ˈfɪk.ʃən/

Etymology

The term was coined in the 1950s as a broader category encompassing science fiction and fantasy.

Explain Like I’m 5

Speculative fiction is like imagining 'what if?' scenarios, exploring possibilities beyond what we know to be true today, such as robots taking over or people traveling through time.

Fun Facts

H
G
Wells is considered one of the fathers of speculative fiction
Ursula K
Le Guin's 'The Left Hand of Darkness' explores gender and societal norms in a fictional world
Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is often cited as an early example of speculative fiction

FAQ

What is speculative fiction? It's a genre that explores possibilities beyond everyday reality
What are some examples? Science fiction, fantasy, and horror often fall under speculative fiction
Is it the same as science fiction? No, speculative fiction is a broader category that includes science fiction but also other genres

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

imaginative fiction futuristic fiction

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

fiction literature

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

science fiction fantasy alternate history dystopian fiction cyberpunk

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

literature genre fiction

Indexes

literary genre

Built by Tim Jones