noun

reality

ree-AL-uh-tee/riˈæləti/

The world as it exists or is experienced.

The chipped mug's reality contrasts with the flawless version the woman imagines.

Woman compares imagined perfect whole ceramic mug in small thought bubble with actual chipped mug she holds; actual chipped object and serious accepting face dominate, no text.

Etymology

reLatinthing, matter

+alLatinrelating to

+ityLatinstate or quality

The “thing” root underlies the idea of being actual rather than imaginary. A noun for the quality of being real broadened to mean all that exists and the actual state of affairs.

In context

US National Archives35:21

do not recognize that in fact she was also a political figure in reality she was very political

Lady First: The World of First Lady Sarah Polk

More examples

The house looks empty, but in reality someone lives upstairs.
We must face the reality that our budget is limited.
The novel explores the daily realities of small-town life.

Forms

reality · realities

real adjective — Existing in fact rather than in imagination.

realistic adjective — Representing things as they actually are.

Similar words

actuality: More formal; emphasizes actual existence rather than imagined possibilities.
truth: Emphasizes what is true rather than everything that exists.