Basic Details
Word: Factoid
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small piece of interesting or unusual information, often not entirely reliable.
Synonyms: Detail, tidbit, snippet
Antonyms: Fact, truth
Idioms and Phrases
- Factoids are free: Used to describe how small bits of information or trivia can be shared without restrictions. Example: "In this game, factoids are free; you can learn so much without any cost!"
- Take it with a pinch of salt: Used to suggest that something should not be taken too seriously or can be exaggerated. Example: "When he told me that factoid about the largest snowflake, I took it with a pinch of salt."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The internet is full of fascinating factoids that can surprise even the most knowledgeable people.
Example 2: He shared a factoid about dolphins that I had never heard before, making our conversation more interesting.
Example 3: Although the factoid was entertaining, I later found out that it wasn't completely accurate.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "factoid" was coined by author Norman Mailer in the 1970s? He originally used it to refer to false facts that were repeated so often that they seemed true!
Famous Quote
"A factoid is an unintentionally misleading story that goes viral." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "factoid" mean?
a) A simple fact
b) A small piece of interesting information
c) A type of caterpillar
d) A great story
Answer: b) A small piece of interesting information
2. Which of these is a synonym of "factoid"?
a) Snippet
b) Comet
c) Argument
d) Enigma
Answer: a) Snippet
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "factoid"?
a) Detail
b) Fact
c) Tidbit
d) Trivia
Answer: b) Fact
4. Which sentence uses "factoid" correctly?
a) The factoid about the earth being flat is proven to be a truth.
b) The teacher shared a factoid about frogs that made us all laugh.
c) A factoid is the same as a textbook.
d) They found a factoid in the library.
Answer: b) The teacher shared a factoid about frogs that made us all laugh.
5. Which idiom suggests that you should not take a statement too seriously?
a) Factoids are free
b) Take it with a pinch of salt
c) Bite the bullet
d) When it rains, it pours
Answer: b) Take it with a pinch of salt
