noun

real life

REEL LYFE

Real life (noun) means the world as it actually is, as opposed to fiction, theory, games or online space. Example: “It sounds neat on paper, but in real life nobody has that kind of time.”

noun

The world as it actually is, as opposed to fiction, theory, games or online space.

"It sounds neat on paper, but in real life nobody has that kind of time."

"We'd been messaging for a year before we met in real life."

adjective

Actually existing or having actually happened; not invented. Usually written real-life.

"The film is based on a real-life kidnapping."

"She's a real-life astronaut, not an actor in a suit."

How to Use Real life

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhat actually happens, not what's made up or on a screen.

When to use it

Neutral. Hyphenated before a noun (a real-life hero), two words after a verb or in the phrase in real life. Abbreviated IRL online.

Memory tip

In real life is a fixed phrase and never takes the: say 'in real life', not 'in the real life'.

Easily confused with

IRL → true story real time

Common pairings

in real life real-life example real-life story real-life consequences

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

It sounds neat on paper, but in _____ nobody has that kind of time.

Synonyms

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reality the real world actuality true actual factual non-fictional

Antonyms

fiction fantasy the virtual world fictional made-up imaginary

Related Words

not right world real bad fact true original

Rhymes for real life

Ife wife life fife rife knife strife midwife midlife lowlife wildlife penknife

See all rhymes for real life →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IRL mean?

IRL is the abbreviation of in real life, used online to mark a distinction between something that happened on the internet and something that happened offline — for example meeting a friend IRL after years of only chatting.

Is real life hyphenated?

Hyphenate it when it sits directly in front of the noun it describes: a real-life hero, real-life consequences. Leave it as two words elsewhere: it happened in real life.

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