What are the main differences between fantasy fiction and science fiction?

Science fiction typically adheres more closely to scientific principles. It often involves extrapolating current scientific knowledge into the future or to other worlds. For example, hard science fiction might base its story on real - time physics concepts like relativity. In contrast, science fantasy combines science - like elements with more fantastical elements. It may have magic - like concepts that don't really have a scientific basis but are presented in a scientific - seeming context.

Science fiction is more rooted in scientific principles. It often tries to predict or extrapolate from current scientific knowledge. For example, stories about space travel based on existing physics. Science fantasy, on the other hand, blends science with more fantastical elements. It may not adhere strictly to scientific laws. For instance, a story with magic-like powers in a futuristic setting.

Fantasy often involves magic, mythical creatures, and settings that are not based on scientific principles. For example, you have wizards, dragons, and enchanted forests. Science fiction, on the other hand, is usually based on scientific concepts or theories, like time travel which is often related to ideas in physics. It may deal with future technologies, space exploration, and alien life forms.

Science fiction often focuses on technology and scientific concepts, imagining possible futures. Fantasy, on the other hand, typically involves magic, mythical creatures, and worlds that don't rely on real-world science.

The big difference is that fantasy often involves magic and mythical creatures, while science fiction is based on scientific concepts and possible future technologies.

The main distinction is that fantasy typically builds on imagination and supernatural elements. Science fiction, on the other hand, relies on plausible scientific theories and future possibilities. For example, in fantasy, you might have wizards and dragons, but in sci-fi, you'd have spaceships and advanced robotics.

Fantasy often involves magic, mythical creatures, and settings that are not based on scientific principles. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', there are wizards, elves, and dwarves. Science fiction, on the other hand, usually has a scientific basis, like in 'Star Trek' with its advanced technology based on theoretical physics. In 'fantasy over science fiction', it might imply that fantasy elements are more emphasized, perhaps due to their ability to create more immersive and otherworldly experiences that are not bound by scientific plausibility.

Science fantasy often combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. It might have high - tech concepts along with magical or otherworldly elements. For example, 'Star Wars' has spaceships (science - like) and 'the Force' (fantasy - like). Weird fiction, on the other hand, focuses on the strange, the uncanny, and often has a sense of unease. It can deal with abnormal creatures, events that seem to defy explanation in a more 'earth - bound' or psychological way. H.P. Lovecraft's works are prime examples of weird fiction.

Techno fantasy often blends high - tech elements with fantasy concepts. For example, it might have magic co - existing with advanced machines. Science fiction, on the other hand, is more rooted in scientific possibilities. It may explore future technologies based on current scientific knowledge. Techno fantasy is freer in its concepts, not strictly adhering to scientific principles like science fiction does.

Dystopian focuses on a negative future society, often with oppression and a broken social structure. Fantasy involves magic, mythical creatures and otherworldly settings that don't follow scientific rules. Science fiction is based on scientific concepts and often explores the impact of technology on society. For example, '1984' is dystopian, 'The Lord of the Rings' is fantasy, and 'Star Trek' is science fiction.