adjective

real

Actually existing or genuine rather than imagined or artificial.

The flowers on the table are real, not plastic.

Etymology

Latin realis means pertaining to a thing. Real therefore identifies what exists as an actual thing rather than only in thought or imitation.

More examples

  • The movie is based on real events.
  • Her fear is real, even if the danger is imaginary.
  • Is this necklace made of real gold?

Forms

real · realer · realest

reality noun — The state of actually existing.

Similar words

genuine
Emphasizes authenticity rather than whether something exists at all.
actual
Emphasizes existence or fact rather than possibility or expectation.