C1adjectivepsychology
US/ˈfæn.sɪ.fəl/
UK/ˈfæn.sɪ.fəl/
based on imagination rather than facts or reason, so not very realistic
In context
The idea that a pill can replace exercise is rather fanciful.
Some advertisements make fanciful claims about losing ten kilos in a week.
As a child, she told fanciful stories about dragons living in the garden.
Words that go with fanciful
adjective + noun
- fanciful ideaMany people thought electric cars were a fanciful idea twenty years ago.
- fanciful claimsBe careful of supplements that make fanciful claims.
- fanciful notionThe fanciful notion that money brings happiness is hard to give up.
- fanciful storyNobody believed his fanciful story about meeting a famous footballer.
adverb + adjective
- rather fancifulHis plan to retire at thirty sounds rather fanciful.