speculative fiction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, academic, publishing industry
Quick answer
What does “speculative fiction” mean?
A broad literary genre encompassing any fiction with supernatural, futuristic, or other imaginative elements that do not exist in the real world.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A broad literary genre encompassing any fiction with supernatural, futuristic, or other imaginative elements that do not exist in the real world.
An umbrella term often used to describe science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties. The term is perhaps slightly more established in academic and critical discourse in the UK.
Connotations
Can carry connotations of intellectual seriousness and literary ambition, distinguishing it from more commercial genre labels like 'sci-fi'.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in literary reviews, author interviews, and academic circles; low frequency in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “speculative fiction” in a Sentence
[Author] writes speculative fiction.[Work] is classified as speculative fiction.The speculative fiction of [Author] explores...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speculative fiction” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her speculative fiction novel was longlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
- He is a leading speculative fiction critic.
American English
- The bookstore has a large speculative fiction section.
- She attended a speculative fiction writers' workshop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in publishing deals, marketing copy, and bookselling categories.
Academic
Common in literary theory, genre studies, and cultural studies departments.
Everyday
Rare in casual talk; more likely among avid readers, fans, and writers.
Technical
Used as a precise cataloging term by librarians, literary agents, and critics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speculative fiction”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speculative fiction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speculative fiction”
- Using it interchangeably with 'science fiction' only (it's broader).
- Confusing it with 'speculative nonfiction' (about financial markets).
- Misspelling as 'specualtive'.
- Using in contexts where a more specific term (e.g., 'dystopian', 'space opera') is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an umbrella term that includes science fiction but also fantasy, horror, and other non-mimetic genres. Science fiction is a major subset.
Some use it to avoid the perceived pulp or lowbrow connotations of 'sci-fi' or 'fantasy', or to emphasize the conceptual and philosophical nature of their work.
Magical realism typically introduces a single fantastical element into an otherwise realistic world without explanation, treating it as normal. Speculative fiction often builds entire worlds or systems (like futuristic technology or magic) that fundamentally differ from reality.
Virtually all modern fantasy is included under the speculative fiction umbrella, as it involves worlds, creatures, or laws of nature that do not exist.
A broad literary genre encompassing any fiction with supernatural, futuristic, or other imaginative elements that do not exist in the real world.
Speculative fiction is usually formal, literary, academic, publishing industry in register.
Speculative fiction: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspɛkjʊlətɪv ˈfɪkʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspɛkjələtɪv ˈfɪkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be] on the speculative fiction shelf”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SPECULATE (to ponder possibilities) + FICTION = fiction that speculates about possible worlds.
Conceptual Metaphor
FICTION IS A THOUGHT EXPERIMENT; THE GENRE IS A LABORATORY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as 'speculative fiction'?