reality
n.-
1 the state of being real (n.) B1 Intermediatethe way things truly are in the world, not just in your imagination or dreams.
the state or quality of being actual or real; the objective state of things as they exist.
ExampleHe had to face the reality that he didn't have enough money for the car.
ExampleThe harsh reality of the economic situation forced the company to reconsider its expansion plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
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2 the real world (n.) B1 Intermediatethe actual world we live in, especially when compared to movies, books, or the internet.
the real world or the sum of all that is real, often contrasted with virtual or fictional environments.
ExampleIn reality, the job was much harder than it looked in the advertisement.
ExampleWhile the film depicts a glamorous lifestyle, the reality of working in the fashion industry involves long hours and intense pressure.
- existence
- the world
- virtual reality
- dreamworld
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3 a specific fact or event (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea fact or situation that is true and must be accepted.
a real entity, event, or fact; a specific circumstance that exists objectively.
ExampleThe loss of his job became a painful reality after he received the final letter.
ExampleThe political realities of the region made it difficult for the two nations to sign a lasting peace treaty.
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4 reality television (n.) B1 Intermediate Informala type of television show that follows the real lives of people instead of using actors.
referring to a genre of television programming that documents unscripted real-life situations.
ExampleShe enjoys watching reality shows about people living on remote islands.
ExampleCritics argue that reality television often manipulates situations to create artificial drama for the sake of higher ratings.
- unscripted
From French réalité (“quality of being real”), from Middle French realité (“property, possession”), from Medieval Latin reālitās, from Late Latin reālis (“real”), equivalent to real + -ity. Recorded since 1550 as a legal term in the sense of “fixed property” (compare real estate, realty); the sense “real existence” is attested from 1647. First attested in c. 1540.