Semi autobiography meaning

Definition of Semi-Autobiography

A semi-autobiography is a narrative genre blending elements of an author’s real life with fictional aspects.

Unlike a full autobiography that focuses strictly on true events and honest personal experiences, a semi-autobiography combines factual and imaginative components, allowing for creative storytelling while maintaining a basis in reality.

Etymology

• Semi-: From Latin “semi-”, meaning half or partially.
• Autobiography: From Greek “autos” meaning self, “bios” meaning life, and “graphein” meaning to write.

Together, “semi-autobiography” implies a work partially based on the author’s own life.

Usage Notes

A semi-autobiographical work may hinge on real events, but characters, timelines, and certain scenarios are often fictionalized.

This approach can provide the author with creative freedom and a buffer of privacy.

Synony