Explanation at your level:
Reality means the real world. It is not a dream. It is what you can see and touch. For you, reality is your school, your home, and your friends. It is what is true right now.
When we talk about reality, we mean things that are true. If you think you will win a game but you lose, that is the reality. It helps us understand the difference between what we want and what happens.
Reality is often used to describe the facts of a situation. When you have a 'reality check', you stop imagining things and look at the truth. It is a very common word in news and daily conversations about life events.
The term reality is frequently used to discuss the gap between perception and truth. It is common to hear phrases like 'the harsh reality' or 'grasping the reality of the situation'. It acts as a bridge between abstract thought and concrete existence.
In advanced English, reality is often used in philosophical or metaphorical ways. We discuss 'virtual reality' versus 'objective reality'. It is a key term when analyzing social constructs or the validity of arguments in academic writing.
At a mastery level, reality encompasses the ontological state of being. It is used in literary criticism to discuss 'magical realism' or the 'suspension of disbelief'. It is a profound word that touches on the nature of existence itself, often contrasted with the 'simulacrum' or the 'ideal'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Reality is the state of things as they are.
- It is the opposite of fantasy.
- It is a noun.
- It is used in many common idioms.
When we talk about reality, we are talking about the real world. Think of it as the opposite of a dream or a movie script. It is the collection of facts and events that are actually happening.
You might use this word when someone has a misconception. For example, if you think you can fly, reality is the force of gravity that keeps your feet firmly on the ground. It is a grounding word that helps us distinguish between our hopes and the truth.
The word reality comes from the Medieval Latin word realitas, which itself comes from realis, meaning 'actual' or 'thing'. It traces back to the Latin res, which simply means 'thing'.
It entered English in the 15th century. Originally, it was used in legal contexts to describe 'real property' or land. Over time, it evolved to describe the philosophical concept of existence itself. It is fascinating how a word for 'thing' became the word for everything that exists!
In daily life, we often use reality to contrast with expectations. You will hear phrases like 'the reality of the situation' or 'facing reality'.
It is used in both formal and informal contexts. In business, a 'reality check' is a common way to ask someone to look at the facts. It is a neutral word that carries a sense of seriousness and honesty.
1. Reality check: A moment to look at the facts. Example: You need a reality check; you can't buy a car with no money.
2. In reality: Used to introduce the truth. Example: It looked easy, but in reality, it was very hard.
3. Escape from reality: To avoid the truth. Example: Books provide an escape from reality.
4. Based in reality: Something grounded in truth. Example: Her plan is not based in reality.
5. Distorted reality: When someone sees things incorrectly. Example: His ego created a distorted reality.
Reality is a singular, uncountable noun in most contexts. We usually say 'the reality' or 'a harsh reality'.
The IPA is /riˈælɪti/. The stress is on the second syllable. Rhyming words include locality, totality, mentality, frivolity, and vitality. Remember to pronounce all four syllables clearly!
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'real estate'.
Pronunciation Guide
Crisp 't' sounds.
Flap 't' sound.
Common Errors
- stressing first syllable
- swallowing the 'l'
- mispronouncing the 'ty'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to speak
Easy to listen
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Abstract Nouns
Reality is an abstract noun.
Articles with Nouns
The reality.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Reality is.
Examples by Level
This is reality.
This is real life.
Subject-verb-noun.
It is not a dream.
It is true.
Negative verb.
Reality is here.
Truth is now.
Simple present.
I see reality.
I see the truth.
Transitive verb.
Is this reality?
Is this real?
Question form.
Reality is hard.
Life is tough.
Adjective.
Face the reality.
Look at the truth.
Imperative.
The reality is good.
The truth is fine.
Definite article.
The reality of the situation is sad.
She wants to live in reality.
He forgot about reality.
It is a harsh reality.
Reality is different from dreams.
They faced the reality.
The reality is quite clear.
Do you accept reality?
We need a reality check.
The film is based in reality.
In reality, it was a mistake.
He lost touch with reality.
The reality of the cost was high.
She prefers reality to fiction.
Reality can be disappointing.
The project reflects reality.
The harsh reality of unemployment is difficult.
He tried to escape the reality of his debt.
The show blurs the lines of reality.
She finally came to terms with reality.
It is a distortion of reality.
The reality of the outcome surprised us.
We must align our goals with reality.
His view is detached from reality.
The virtual reality experience was immersive.
The novel explores the nature of reality.
He questioned the very fabric of reality.
The politician ignored the reality on the ground.
It is a grim reality we must face.
The perception of reality is subjective.
She constructed a new reality for herself.
The reality of the situation dawned on him.
The ontological reality of the soul is debated.
The author deconstructs the reality of the Victorian era.
He lives in a solipsistic reality.
The film challenges the viewer's perception of reality.
It is a manifestation of a deeper reality.
The reality of the human condition is complex.
She grapples with the existential reality of life.
The social reality is constantly shifting.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"reality check"
a look at the facts
He needs a reality check.
casual"in reality"
actually
In reality, it was not that bad.
neutral"come to terms with reality"
accept the truth
She came to terms with reality.
formal"lose touch with reality"
become delusional
He lost touch with reality.
neutral"a rude awakening"
a sudden realization
The bill was a rude awakening.
casual"back to reality"
returning to normal life
Back to reality after the holiday.
casualEasily Confused
Similar root
Artistic style vs state of being
Realism is a style; reality is truth.
Adjective form
Adjective vs noun
That is real; that is reality.
Adverb form
Adverb vs noun
I am really happy; that is reality.
Verb form
Action vs noun
I realize the truth; that is reality.
Sentence Patterns
The reality of [noun] is [adj]
The reality of the situation is grim.
Face the reality of [noun]
Face the reality of your choices.
In reality, [clause]
In reality, he was lying.
Based in reality
The story is based in reality.
A distorted reality
He lives in a distorted reality.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Realism is an artistic style; reality is the state of being.
Usually requires an article.
It can be plural, but usually singular.
Real is an adjective; reality is a noun.
Only one 'l'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize a mirror.
Native Speakers
Use it to ground a conversation.
Reality TV
A huge part of pop culture.
Singular
Usually singular.
Syllables
Say it slowly: re-al-i-ty.
Spelling
Only one L.
Latin roots
From 'res' (thing).
Context
Read news articles.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Real-ity: The 'Real' thing in the 'City'.
Visual Association
A mirror showing the truth.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your day using the word.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: thing
Cultural Context
None.
Commonly used in media to describe 'Reality TV'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Work
- The reality of the budget
- A reality check
- Facing the reality
School
- The reality of the exam
- Based in reality
- Reality vs theory
Travel
- The reality of the cost
- The reality of the location
Daily Life
- Back to reality
- Escape from reality
- The reality is
Conversation Starters
"What is your definition of reality?"
"Do you prefer fantasy or reality?"
"Have you ever had a reality check?"
"Is reality always better than a dream?"
"How does technology change our reality?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you faced a harsh reality.
Write about a dream that felt like reality.
How do you stay grounded in reality?
Is reality objective or subjective?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is a noun.
R-E-A-L-I-T-Y.
Realities.
No, real is an adjective.
Yes, it is common in formal writing.
A show about real people.
Very similar.
Not necessarily.
Test Yourself
The ___ is that I am hungry.
Reality refers to the truth.
Which is the opposite of reality?
Fantasy is imagined.
Reality is always fun.
Reality can be hard.
Word
Meaning
Idiom match.
Verb-article-noun.
Score: /5
Summary
Reality is the truth of the world around us, distinct from our imagination.
- Reality is the state of things as they are.
- It is the opposite of fantasy.
- It is a noun.
- It is used in many common idioms.
Memory Palace
Visualize a mirror.
Native Speakers
Use it to ground a conversation.
Reality TV
A huge part of pop culture.
Singular
Usually singular.
Example
I need to face reality and admit that I cannot afford a new car this year.
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abcarndom
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abcenthood
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abcitless
C1A noun referring to the state of being devoid of essential logical progression or a fundamental missing component within a theoretical framework. It describes a specific type of structural absence that renders a system or argument incomplete.
abcognacy
C1The state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about a specific subject, situation, or fact. It describes a condition of non-recognition or a gap in cognitive awareness, often used in technical or specialized academic contexts.
abdocion
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abdocly
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aberration
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abfacible
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abfactency
C1Describing a quality or state of being fundamentally disconnected from empirical facts or objective reality. It is typically used to characterize arguments or theories that are logically consistent within themselves but have no basis in actual evidence. This term highlights a sophisticated departure from what is observable in favor of what is purely speculative.
