reality
n. C / Un. the true situation or the way things actually exist in life, rather than what you imagine or hope for. You use this word to talk about the real world.
n. the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic, fictional, or notional idea of them. Frequently contrasted with fantasy or theoretical models.
He needs to face reality and start looking for a new job.
The reality of the situation is that we do not have enough money to finish the project this year.
Virtual reality headsets can create incredibly immersive environments, yet the human brain remains remarkably adept at distinguishing these digital simulations from physical reality.
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.
Uncountable when referring to existence as a whole; countable when denoting specific facts or situations, often in the plural.