# reality

/ˌɹiˈæɫəˌti/ (US) · /ɹɪˈælɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reality
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the state of being real

noun · CEFR B1

the way things truly are in the world, not just in your imagination or dreams.

For teachers: the state or quality of being actual or real; the objective state of things as they exist.

- He had to face the reality that he didn't have enough money for the car.
- The harsh reality of the economic situation forced the company to reconsider its expansion plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

### 2. the real world

noun · CEFR B1

the actual world we live in, especially when compared to movies, books, or the internet.

For teachers: the real world or the sum of all that is real, often contrasted with virtual or fictional environments.

- In reality, the job was much harder than it looked in the advertisement.
- While the film depicts a glamorous lifestyle, the reality of working in the fashion industry involves long hours and intense pressure.

### 3. a specific fact or event

noun · CEFR B2

a fact or situation that is true and must be accepted.

For teachers: a real entity, event, or fact; a specific circumstance that exists objectively.

- The loss of his job became a painful reality after he received the final letter.
- The political realities of the region made it difficult for the two nations to sign a lasting peace treaty.

### 4. reality television

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a type of television show that follows the real lives of people instead of using actors.

For teachers: referring to a genre of television programming that documents unscripted real-life situations.

- She enjoys watching reality shows about people living on remote islands.
- Critics argue that reality television often manipulates situations to create artificial drama for the sake of higher ratings.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.