reality
ree-A-lih-tee
Reality (noun) means the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they are imagined or wished to be. Example: “The film shows how far reality can be from what people expect.”
noun
1
The state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they are imagined or wished to be.
"The film shows how far reality can be from what people expect."
"The reality of the situation finally sank in."
"She had to face reality and admit the plan had failed."
2
Television programming that follows real, unscripted people and situations.
"Many viewers enjoy a reality series about people competing to bake the best cake."
"Her cousin has been chosen to appear on a reality programme next year."
"He became famous after appearing on a reality show."
How to use reality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe way things truly are, as opposed to how we imagine, hope, or fear they might be.
Common pairings
face reality
in reality
reality check
reality TV
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Word forms
- Plural
- realities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film shows how far _____ can be from what people expect.
Etymology
From French réalité, ultimately from Late Latin reālis ("real"); first used in English for "fixed property" before coming to mean "real existence" by the mid-1600s.
Class of 1600
reality joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for reality
See all rhymes for reality →Frequently asked questions
What does “reality” mean?
The word “reality” means the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they are imagined or wished to be. In plain terms, the way things truly are, as opposed to how we imagine, hope, or fear they might be.
How do you pronounce “reality”?
“Reality” is pronounced ree-A-lih-tee (/ɹiˈæləti/ in IPA).
How do you use “reality” in a sentence?
Here is “reality” used in a sentence: “The reality of the situation finally sank in.”
What is another word for “reality”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reality” include truth and actuality.
What is the opposite of “reality”?
The opposite of “reality” — its antonyms — is fantasy.
What part of speech is “reality”?
“Reality” is a noun.
Where does the word “reality” come from?
The word “reality” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Late Latin. From French réalité, ultimately from Late Latin reālis ("real"); first used in English for "fixed property" before coming to mean "real existence" by the mid-1600s.
Is “reality” a common word?
“Reality” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between reality and fantasy?
Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, whether or not anyone likes or believes them. Fantasy is something imagined or wished for that does not exist in fact. The two are often contrasted: reality is grounded in evidence, while fantasy lives only in the mind.
What is the difference between reality and perception?
Perception is how an individual interprets and experiences the world through their senses and beliefs. Reality is what actually exists, independent of any one person's view. Two people can perceive the same event differently, yet the underlying reality remains the same regardless of how it is perceived.
Can reality be subjective?
Strictly, reality refers to objective existence — what is true whether or not we accept it. People do speak of a 'personal reality' to describe their own experience, but that is closer to perception. Philosophers debate the point, though most treat core reality as independent of individual opinion.
What is the opposite of reality?
The clearest opposites are fantasy, illusion, and fiction — all things that exist only in the imagination rather than in fact. Words like dream and make-believe work in a similar way. Each names something unreal, standing in contrast to what genuinely exists.
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