reality

/ri:'æliti/

Thân thiện

A child learns to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Definition

Noun 1. The quality or state of being real; the true nature of things as they exist, independent of human perception or ideas. This refers to the fundamental property of existence, as opposed to what is imagined, invented, or theoretical. 2. The totality of all things and events that are actual or exist. This meaning encompasses the world as it truly is, including all facts and circumstances, often in contrast to ideals, hopes, or illusions. 3. A real thing, fact, or situation; something that exists or happens. This refers to a specific instance or aspect of the real world. 4. The quality of being lifelike or true to the original. This refers to the accurate representation of something in art, media, or reproduction.

Examples of Usage

• As a general concept (Definition 1 & 2):
  • Philosophers have long debated the nature of reality.
  • The documentary showed the harsh reality of life in the refugee camp.
  • She struggled to distinguish between fantasy and reality.
• As a specific fact or situation (Definition 3):
  • The reality is that we cannot finish the project on time without more help.
  • He had to confront the unpleasant reality of his financial debt.
• As a quality of representation (Definition 4):
  • The special effects in the film added to its sense of reality.
  • The virtual reality headset creates a convincing illusion of reality.

Advanced Usage

• "in reality": Used to introduce a statement that contrasts appearance or belief with the actual truth. It is synonymous with "in fact," "actually," or "truly."
  • He seemed confident, but in reality, he was very nervous.
• "the reality of the situation": A common phrase emphasizing the actual, often difficult, facts of a circumstance.
  • We must accept the reality of the situation and adapt our plans.
• "become a reality": To change from being a plan, dream, or idea into something that actually exists.
  • After years of research, her invention finally became a reality.

Variants and Related Words

• Real (adj): Actually existing or occurring; not imagined or supposed.
  • Is that a real diamond or a fake?
• Realism (n): 1. The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly. 2. In the arts, the representation of subjects in a straightforward, truthful way.
• Realist (n): A person who accepts and deals with situations as they really are, rather than as they might wish them to be.
• Realistic (adj): 1. Having a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected. 2. Representing things in a way that is accurate and true to life.
• Realize (v): 1. To become fully aware of something as a fact; to understand clearly. 2. To cause something planned or imagined to happen or exist.
• Virtual Reality (n, compound): A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real way.

Synonyms

• Actuality: The state of existing in fact; reality.
• Truth: That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.
• Fact: A thing that is known or proved to be true.
• Existence: The fact or state of living or having objective reality.

Antonyms

• Fantasy: The faculty or activity of imagining impossible or improbable things.
• Illusion: A false idea or belief; something that deceives the mind or senses.
• Dream: A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep; also, a cherished aspiration or ideal.
• Fiction: Literature in the form of prose that describes imaginary events and people; something that is invented or untrue.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Check/come back to reality": To stop imagining or hoping for things and start dealing with the real situation.
  • After daydreaming about winning the lottery, I had to come back to reality and pay my bills.
• "A dose of reality": An experience or piece of information that makes someone aware of the true facts of a situation, especially when they are unpleasant.
  • Failing the exam was a harsh dose of reality for the overconfident student.
• "Escape from reality": To engage in an activity (like reading, watching movies) to avoid thinking about real-life problems.
  • For her, painting was a way to escape from reality for a few hours.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the quality possessed by something that is real
2. the state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be
   • businessmen have to face harsh realities
3. the state of being actual or real
   • the reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
4. all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
   • his world was shattered
   • we live in different worlds
   • for them demons were as much a part of reality as trees were

Từ đồng nghĩa

• realness
• realism
• world