What is the Difference Between Fact and Fiction?

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The difference between fact and fiction lies in their definitions, origins, and the way they are perceived. Here are the key differences:

  1. Definition: Fact is a true happening, while fiction is an imaginative happening. Facts are pieces of information that can be proven as true, whereas fiction is based on imagination.
  2. Origin: The word "fact" is derived from the Latin word "factum," meaning "event or occurrence or something done". On the other hand, the word "fiction" is derived from the Latin word "fictio," meaning "the action of shaping".
  3. Perception: Facts can be verified with evidence and are considered to be true. Fiction, however, cannot be verified with evidence and is based on one's imagination. Fiction is often created by writers or authors who use their creativity to develop imaginative stories or situations.
  4. Sources: Facts can be found in textbooks, news reportings, biographies, and other sources that provide accurate information. Fiction, on the other hand, can be found in novels, plays, and other forms of literature that are based on imagination.

In summary, facts are true occurrences or pieces of information that can be proven, while fiction is based on imagination and cannot be verified with evidence. Facts are found in sources that provide accurate information, while fiction is often created by writers or authors.

Comparative Table: Fact vs Fiction

The main difference between fact and fiction is that facts are true and based on real events or information, while fiction is made-up and not based on real events or information. Here is a table summarizing the differences between fact and fiction:

Fact Fiction
True and based on real events or information Made-up and not based on real events or information
Can be proven or disproven Cannot be proven or disproven
Examples: Historical events, scientific data, personal experiences Examples: Novels, movies, imaginary stories

In the context of data warehousing, a fact table is a database table in a dimensional model that stores quantitative information for analysis, while a dimension table is a structure that categorizes facts and measures to enable users to answer business questions. Fact tables contain measurements (quantitative data) and foreign keys (references to dimension tables), and they are surrounded by multiple dimension tables.