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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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
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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Related words
Rhymes for real life
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.
What is the meaning of real life?
"real life" (noun) means the world as it actually is, as opposed to fiction, theory, games or online space.
What is another word for real life?
Other words for "real life" include reality, the real world, actuality, true, actual, factual.
