Basic Details
Word: Factoid
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small piece of interesting or unique information, often mistaken as a fact.
Synonyms: Nugget, tidbit
Antonyms: Falsehood, untruth
Idioms and Phrases
- Factoid of the day: Refers to a particularly interesting piece of information shared daily. Example: "Did you hear the factoid of the day? Elephants can communicate with each other over long distances!"
- Get your facts straight: To ensure that you have all the correct information before making a statement. Example: "Before writing the report, she wanted to make sure she got her facts straight to avoid including any factoids."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The museum had a display of fascinating factoids about ancient civilisations that captivated all the visitors.
Example 2: The teacher shared a fun factoid about the solar system, making the lesson more engaging for the students.
Example 3: Many people enjoy reading factoids because they are short and intriguing bits of information.
Fun Fact
The term "factoid" was originally coined by writer Norman Mailer in the 1970s to describe facts that were so small or trivial that they may not be true, yet are presented as facts in popular culture.
Famous Quote
"A factoid is a piece of information that has been misrepresented as fact." – Clifton Fadiman
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "factoid" mean?
a) A long story
b) A small piece of interesting information
c) A type of food
d) A musical note
Answer: b) A small piece of interesting information
2. Which of these is a synonym of "factoid"?
a) Myth
b) Nugget
c) Fiction
d) Theory
Answer: b) Nugget
3. What is an antonym of "factoid"?
a) Truth
b) Fact
c) Falsehood
d) Certainty
Answer: c) Falsehood
4. Which sentence uses "factoid" correctly?
a) The factoid was great, and I used it in my essay.
b) I factoid an apple for lunch.
c) Factoid are only found in books.
d) The dog factoid on the street.
Answer: a) The factoid was great, and I used it in my essay.
5. Which idiom means to ensure correct information?
a) Get your facts straight
b) A stitch in time saves nine
c) All that glitters is not gold
d) A penny for your thoughts
Answer: a) Get your facts straight
