Which text uses the word factoid in its traditional sense?
As a geneticist, Denise dislikes many popular sci-fi movies because they often present audiences with factoids that misrepresent her field. As a geneticist, Denise enjoys watching science documentaries and sharing various factoids she's learned with her colleagues.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses factoid in its traditional sense: something made up presented as a true fact.
As a geneticist, Denise dislikes many popular sci-fi movies because they often present audiences with factoids that misrepresent her field.
The second text uses factoid in its nontraditional sense: a trivial but true fact.
As a geneticist, Denise enjoys watching science documentaries and sharing various factoids she's learned with her colleagues.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word factoid because it is considered more standard.