real1 adjectivereal2 adverb
realreal1 /rɪəl/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
WORD ORIGINreal1
Origin:
1400-1500 Old French, Medieval Latin realis ‘of things (in law)’, from Latin res ‘thing’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Real commitment is needed from everyone on the team if we're going to make this project work.
- real leather
- All of the characters are based on real people.
- Are those flowers real or artificial?
- He's never had a real job.
- He didn't show any real regret for the suffering he had caused.
- He sounds like a real jerk.
- His problems are very real. I don't think you should laugh at him.
- Is that a real diamond?
- Jack isn't their real father.
- Jane's been a real friend to me over the years.
- Marilyn Monroe's real name was Norma Jean Baker.
- Now that's real coffee!
- People call him Baz, but his real name is Reginald.
- She's a real tomboy!
- She was clearly in real pain.
- So what's the real reason you were late?
- The real issue is how can we help prevent heart disease?
- The house is a real mess.
- The noise is becoming a real problem.
- In the developed countries the effects have been stagnant wages and high real interest rates.
- My new firm gave me the chance to make a real difference.
- Someday, I think, it will evolve into a place with real golf spirit.
- Sometimes this happens with a fishing style, small improvements, slight changes. but no real leaps forward.
- This is, of course, just what happens in a real tree.
- When Phil started in Dayton you were watching real people talk about things they were really concerned about.
- You will have real choice as to how your pension payments are invested.
THESAURUS
used about a feeling, thing, or person that really is what they seem to be: · genuine concern· Experts believe that the painting is genuine.· genuine refugees· a genuine reason for taking time off work· If a student has genuine religious objections to a school activity, they do not have to participate.
not false or artificial: · real wood· His real name is Reginald.· It looks just like the real thing.· Are those flowers real or artificial?
authentic food, music, clothes etc are correct for the place or the period in history that they are supposed to be from: · It’s a friendly restaurant offering authentic Greek food.· authentic medieval instruments· The dancers wore authentic Native American designs.
[only before noun] having all the qualities you would expect a particular type of person or thing to have: · a true friend· She is a true professional.· Being a true Red Sox fan, he never missed a game.· True Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
[usually before noun] bona fide people or things are really what they say they are, especially when this can be checked by looking at official documents: · a bona fide medical qualification· a bona fide company· This club is only open to bona fide members.
evidence or facts that are genuine and can be proved: · There was no hard evidence to support the theory.
Longman Language Activatornot false or artificial not false or artificial: · Is that a real diamond?· Are those flowers real or artificial?· People call him Baz, but his real name is Reginald.
real, not just seeming to be real or pretending to be real: · For years people thought the picture was a genuine Van Gogh, but in fact it's a fake.· We need a much faster system for dealing with genuine refugees.· If a student has genuine religious objections to a school activity, they do not have to participate.
authentic food, music, clothes etc are correct for the place or the period in history that they are supposed to be from: · a friendly restaurant offering authentic Greek food· They play music on authentic medieval instruments.· The dancers wore authentic Native American designs.
people or things that are bona fide are really what they say they are, especially when this can be checked by looking at official records, personal papers etc: · This club is only open to bona fide members.· We have to check that he holds a bona fide qualification.· The company can only reimburse bona fide business-related expenses.
not artificial and no made by people: · I prefer natural fibres such as wool and cotton.· His natural hair color is brown.· We only use natural products.
something that is the thing it is meant to be, and not a cheaper or lower quality thing: · Recorded music will never be as good as listening to the real thing.· I'd seen pictures of the painting, but it was very different seeing the real thing.
something such as a car, painting, or piece of furniture or clothing, that really is made, produced, or designed by a famous and admired person or company: · He owns a 1947 Ferrari -- the genuine article.· With paintings it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the genuine article from a good reproduction.
informal something that is real, and not a cheaper, lower quality product: · The moment I smelled the cigar, I knew it was the real McCoy.· The dress had a designer label, but I couldn't tell if it was the real McCoy or a cheap imitation.
having the qualities that make a particular type of person or thing real use this to emphasize that someone or something has the qualities that a particular kind of person or thing should have: · Jane's been a real friend to me over the years.· She's a real tomboy!· What the country needs now is a real leader.
someone who is a true friend, believer etc is not just pretending to be one and has all of the qualities that a friend, believer etc is supposed to have: · He was a good partner and a true friend to me.· Being a true Red Sox fan, he never missed a game.· She makes the dance look easy - the mark of a true professional.· True Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
British real and not something similar which is not as good: · When are you going to get a proper job?· We don't have a proper guest room, but you can have the sofa in the study.
when someone really feels something when you really feel something, really want something etc, and you are not just pretending to feel it: · Do you think she's really sorry?· Do you really want to come with us? It'll be very boring for you.· I don't think she really believes she can win.
use this to describe feelings, attitudes and beliefs that someone really feels and is not just pretending to feel: · She was clearly in real pain.· He didn't show any real regret for the suffering he had caused.· Real commitment is needed from everyone on the team if we're going to make this project work.
if you are sincere , or have sincere feelings, you really feel or believe something and are not just pretending: · It is my sincere belief that if we work together we can achieve peace in this country.sincere in: · They seemed to be sincere in their concern for the children's welfare.sincere thanks/apologies formal: · I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who helped us.
genuine feelings are real and not pretended - use this especially when you are surprised that someone has these feelings: · I'm not sure if her sympathy was really genuine.· For the first time on the trip, I saw genuine fear in his eyes.· This is the first genuine attempt to reach a peaceful settlement to the dispute.
very real and strongly felt: · Christine breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief.· She expressed her heartfelt thanks to all those who had helped and supported her.· Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on your sad loss.· The family made a heartfelt plea to the kidnappers to release their son.
if you say or mean something from the heart , you really mean it and feel it very strongly: · He stood up and spoke simply but from the heart.from the bottom of somebody's heart: · I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.straight from the heart: · I'm speaking straight from the heart when I say that I believe Marguerite deserves to be chairman.
if you truly believe, want, or feel something, you believe, want, or feel it very strongly and are not just pretending: · I truly believe he is innocent.· She seems truly sorry for what she did.· I truly am impressed with your work.
a feeling that is true is real and strongly felt, not just pretended: · At last he had found true happiness.· As far as Gabby was concerned this was true love.
when someone thinks or feels something but hides it used to say what someone's real thoughts and feelings are when they are pretending to think or feel something else: · Neither of us really wanted to stay in Texas, but we couldn't leave his family at that time.· She didn't complain, but I knew that really she was quite fed up with us all.· Don't trust James -- all he's really interested in is your money.
if you think or feel something deep down , that is what you really think or feel even though you may not say or show it: · He pretends he doesn't care, but deep down I know he's very upset.· I kept pushing the team, but deep down I think I knew we wouldn't win.
if someone is a particular kind of person underneath it all , this is what they are really like: · He likes to show people his tough side, but underneath it all, he's a decent person.
if you feel something inside , that is the way you really feel, even though you do not show it: · I wish I knew what he was feeling inside.· These kids seem so aggressive, but inside they're terrified.
when things or people really exist used to describe people or things that really exist and have not been imagined: · You can dress up either as a fictional character or a real person.very real: · His problems are very real. I don't think you should laugh at him.· There was a very real danger of being robbed during the night.
real, especially as compared with what is intended, believed, or what is usually expected: · How does the actual cost compare with the budget?· Although buses are supposed to run every fifteen minutes, the actual waiting time can be up to an hour.· The actual amount of water needed by the crop depends on the weather conditions.
the true value, nature, importance etc of something is its real value etc rather than what seems at first to be correct: · It is difficult to measure the true value of these amenities to the local community.· The true significance of the General's offer has yet to be established.
informal a real live person or animal is one that is actually alive and real: · Seeing real live animals in a zoo is much more exciting that just watching them on television.· I've never met a real live movie star before!
when information, statements etc are based on real facts based on facts and not imagined: · No, honestly, It's a true story.· She says her parents arrived here as refugees, but I know that's not true.
based on things that can be proved to be true or real: · The police cannot arrest him until they have some solid evidence.· We had our suspicions, but no solid facts.· No one seems to have any concrete information about her.
firmly based on facts, able to be proved by being seen or experienced: tangible evidence/proof/results etc: · The discussions produced no tangible results.· There is no tangible evidence of dishonesty among the company's directors.
when pictures, films etc make things seem real use this about books, pictures, and films that show or describe things as they really are: · The book includes some very realistic descriptions of life during the war.· A lot of people like paintings to look realistic.· Planning your dream home? You can build a more realistic model with our new 3-D kit.
use this about pictures and models that look very like the real person or thing: · Outside the museum is a huge, lifelike model of a dinosaur.· The directors wanted the computer-generated images to look as lifelike as possible.
the quality in a painting, film, story etc that makes it seem real and believable: · The battle scenes are described with extraordinary realism.· His style combines plain language and gritty realism.
a film, play, story etc that is true to life , shows or describes things as they really are: · It's a great story, but not always true to life.· The film gives us a true to life picture of 1920s Chicago.
vivid descriptions, memories, dreams etc are so clear that they seem real: · The book gives a vivid account of the author's journey through northern Africa.· I loved listening to his vivid descriptions of life in Italy.· One of my most vivid memories is of my first day at school.· The drug can make people suffer hallucinations and vivid nightmares.
when pictures, films etc do not make things seem real abstract paintings, pictures, designs etc contain shapes and images that represent real things and people but do not look like them: · a new exhibition of abstract paintings· A lot of people don't like abstract art.· It's an abstract design that's supposed to represent freedom and strength.
something that is unrealistic shows or describes things in a way that does not seem real, and is therefore not very good or cannot be believed: · I found the play boring and the characters unrealistic.· The film is ruined by all the unrealistic plot twists.
a story, situation etc that is contrived has been written or arranged in a way that seems false and not natural: · There's something very contrived about the whole story.· One critic described the movie as "a stale and hopelessly contrived comedy".
when what really happens is different from stories, films etc · Does Santa Claus really exist?· There are many stories which describe wolves as dangerous, blood-thirsty animals, but actually they prefer to avoid human beings.
in the world in which people really live, not in the world which exists in people's imagination: · Romances of that kind don't happen in the real world.· In the real world no one actually dies of a broken heart, but it happens in operas all the time.· His sudden success is something you never really expect to happen in the real world.
in real life , as opposed to what happens in films or stories: · In real life there's no magic wand to make all our problems disappear.· On TV he plays a teenager, but in real life he's married with two children.
to start behaving sensibly after not being sensible · He'd be crazy to leave Liza - it's about time he came to his senses.· Her parents finally came to their senses and realized they couldn't force her to marry someone she didn't like.
to start behaving sensibly after listening to advice or arguments from other people: · I wish he'd see reason and stop putting so much pressure on me.
spoken use this to tell someone that they are not being sensible or practical, for example if they think that a difficult problem will be easy to deal with: · Get real. It's pretty hard for a young woman on her first job to take a case of sexual harassment to court.· "We could always ask Dad for more money." "Get real! We'd be grounded for a month!"
WORD SETSabsolute advantage, active population, additionality, nounadjustable peg, nounannual earnings, anti-dumping, adjectiveanti-inflation, adjectiveausterity, nounbad debt, nounbalance of payments, nounbalance of trade, nounbalance sheet, nounbank money, bank rate, nounbankrupt, adjectivebankrupt, verbbankrupt, nounbarrier to trade, nounbilateralism, nounblack market, nounboom, nounbroad money, brown goods, nounbudget, nounCACM, capital accumulation, nouncapital formation, nouncapitalism, nouncapitalist, adjectivecapital surplus, cartel, nouncentral government borrowing requirement, CGBR, Chicago School, nounclosed economy, nouncommerce clause, commodity, nouncommodity product, comparative advantage, consumer, nounconsumer confidence, nounconsumer durables, nounconsumer goods, nounconsumer price index, nounconsumer surplus, consumption, nounconsumption function, nounCost of Production Theory of Value, nouncreditor turnover rate, nouncredit rationing, noundebt ratio, deflate, verbdemand, noundemand and supply, noundemand price, demonstration effect, deregulate, verbdeveloped, adjectivedirigisme, noundiscretionary spending, dishoarding, noundisinflation, noundisposable income, noundis-saving, noundisutility, noundiversify, verbdivision of labour, noundole queue, dollars-and-cents, adjectivedowntick, noundownturn, noundrawdown, nouneconomic, adjectiveeconomic goods, economic paradigm, economist, nouneconomy, nounefficient market, elasticity of demand, nounelasticity of substitution, nounembargo, verbemployment theory, euro-zone, exchange, nounExchange equalization account, exchange rate mechanism, nounexpectations, nounexpenditure, nounexternal account, external competitiveness, externality, nounfactor cost, factor of production, nounFederal funds, fiscal, adjectivefloor, nounflow of funds, nounforced saving, for-profit, adjectivefree enterprise, nounfree marketeer, nounfree movement, nounfree trade, nounGDP, nounGNP, nounGoldilocks economy, goods, noungoods and services, noungross domestic product, noungross national product, noungross product, nounguaranteed price, hyperinflation, nounIMF, the, IMF quota, imperfect competition, imperfect market, import, nounimport, verbimportation, nounimporter, nounincome effect, industrial output index, Industrial Sentiment index, inelastic, adjectiveinflate, verbinflation, nouninflationary, adjectiveintermediate goods, International Monetary Fund, nouninvestment goods, J-curve, nounknowledge economy, labour-intensive, adjectivelabour market, nounLaffer curve, nounlaissez-faire, nounliving standard, nounMaastricht Treaty, nounmacroeconomics, nounmarginal revenue, market-driven, adjectivemarket economy, nounmarket failure, market forces, nounmarket-led, adjectivemarket-oriented, adjectivemarket value, nounmixed economy, nounmonetarism, nounmonetary, adjectivemoney income, monopsony, nounmultilateralism, nounNAIRU, nounnational debt, nounnational income, nationalize, verbnational wealth, neocolonialism, nounnet output, NIC, nounnominal price, non-durable goods, open-market, adjectiveoutflow, nounoverheated, adjectivepass-along, nounpass-through, nounpeg, verbper-capita income, perfect competition, perfect market, personal saving, political economy, nounpost-industrial, adjectivePPI, price control, nounprice effect, price fixing, nounprice-fixing, nounprice index, nounprice-insensitive, adjectiveprice-sensitive, adjectiveprice support, nounprice theory, primary production, private enterprise, nounprivately-owned, adjectiveprivatization, nounprivatize, verbproducer price index, production control, protect, verbprotectionism, nounprotective, adjectivepublic enterprise, public ownership, nounpublic sector borrowing requirement, public service, nounPurchasing Managers' index, real, adjectivereal income, recession, nounreflation, nounrefund, nounRetail Price Index, scarcity value, nounshakeout, nounSingle European Market, slump, nounsocial accounting, socioeconomic, adjectivesqueeze, verbsqueeze, nounstagflation, nounstandard of living, nounstandard spending assessment, staple, nounstringent, adjectivesubsidy, nounsubstitution effect, surplus, nounsystematic risk, trade deficit, nountrade dispute, trade gap, nountrade surplus, nountrade-weighted index, trickle-down effect, nountrough, nountrust, noununder-investment, noununit of account, noununsystematic risk, uptick, nounvoodoo economics, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
There is no real reason to worry. She had never seen a real live elephant before. Artificial flowers can sometimes look better than the real thing. Things don’t happen quite that easily in real life. What was the real reason you quit your job? The average value of salaries has fallen in real terms (=calculated in this way).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It’s a real drag having to travel so far to work every day. Mr Field was a real gentleman. The laboratory tests are of little real value. We were so excited to see real live elephants. The dogs next door are a real nuisance. Jan’s a real peach. Kyle’s a real smoothie. This cold I’ve got is a real stinker. When we were kids, a trip to the beach was a real treat.
There is no real reason to worry. She had never seen a real live elephant before. Artificial flowers can sometimes look better than the real thing. Things don’t happen quite that easily in real life. What was the real reason you quit your job? The average value of salaries has fallen in real terms (=calculated in this way).· ‘Where did you learn to do that?’ she asked with genuine admiration.
(=a definite advantage)· The new system has some real advantages.
· Co-operation offers the only real alternative.
· He laughed out loud with genuine amusement.
· There is real anger about the amount of money that has been wasted.
· In the market you can sometimes pick up a real bargain.
· To get some real benefit from the exercise, you should continue for at least half an hour.
(=a difficult one)· On Monday, Sharapova faced her first real challenge of the tournament.
· The job demands real commitment to teaching.
· Pensions are a genuine concern to many people.
· All her life she had a genuine desire to help the poor.
It’s a real drag having to travel so far to work every day. (=very strong emotion)· There was real emotion in his voice.
· She talked about the project with genuine enthusiasm.
· A goal two minutes from the end provided the game's only genuine excitement.
(=one that burns wood or coal)· There was a real fire blazing in the fireplace.
Mr Field was a real gentleman. (=having all the qualities which happiness should have)· At last, she found true happiness with a man she loved.
· Prolonged illness can cause real hardship for many families.
(=used to emphasize that something is very annoying or causes a lot of problems)· Carrying a heavy bag around all day is a real hassle.
· The real heroes were the guys who fought in the front lines.
· The true identity of the author was not revealed until 100 years later.
informal (=a big impact)· The film made a real impact on cinema audiences.
· How can I find true joy in life?
The laboratory tests are of little real value. We were so excited to see real live elephants.· You could see real love in their eyes.
· What were his true motives for offering her the job?
(=one that really exists)· There is a real need for after-school care in our area.
· The situation with our neighbours is a real nightmare!
The dogs next door are a real nuisance. (=a serious one)· The lack of oil and gas resources in Northeast Asia is a real obstacle to the region's economic development.
(=something that you can really choose to do)· I wanted to start my own business but financially it was never a realistic option.
(=their biological parents)· I was thrilled to have found my real parents.
Jan’s a real peach.· She smiled with genuine pleasure.
(=something that is quite likely)· At this moment, a recession is a real possibility.
· The real power lay with the president’s advisers.
· They quickly found that their real problem lay with marketing.
· Significant progress has been made in reducing nuclear weapons.
· What was the real purpose of their visit?
· What do you think was the real reason for their decision?
· There is a real risk that there could be another war.
(=great satisfaction)· There is real satisfaction in helping other people to overcome their problems.
(=your real character)· At last he had revealed his true self.
(=a strong feeling)· Children need to feel a real sense of belonging.
(=used to emphasise that a statement or description is true)· The truth is that in a very real sense most families in Britain are not poor.
Kyle’s a real smoothie. (=the only good solution)· The real solution to the waste problem is to produce much less waste.
This cold I’ve got is a real stinker.· The play's real strength is the way it explores relationships.
· She has real talent and with a little help she could go far.
· These measures pose a real threat to the future of agriculture.
· Playing in such an important game must be a real thrill.
When we were kids, a trip to the beach was a real treat.· They lacked any real understanding of the subject.
(=its value after considering inflation)· The real value of their salaries has fallen.
(=a calculation of how much your wages will buy, usually compared to how much you were able to buy in the past)· Average real wages rose by 26% between 1919 and 1929.
· It's a real worry that he is so far away.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· The Campaign now has more paid-up members than it did at the height of the 1970s real ale revival.· Left to its own devices, real ale stays in a drinkable condition for about a week.· Draught Tartan, Export, Harp and Carlsberg deluxe, real ale.· Good wine list, many excellent malt whiskies, real ale.· There was always the real ale to stave off the effects of ageing for a while.· It was too fizzy and too gassy to drink and I acquired a taste for real ale.· Variety of wines, whisky and real ale.· Excellent wine list, over 70 whiskies, real ale.
· It will Bteach real estate agents about the customs of minority groups.· There are also special rules for depreciation of real estate.· The real estate descended to the heir in accordance with rules laid down by statutes of 1833 and 1859.· Today, he has built a successful real estate business for him-self.· Corrie M.. Anders, Examiner real estate editor, covers real estate and housing.· Other ventures have failed, but now she wants to sell real estate.· But as more bonds were backed by real estate, institutional investors were learning.
· And besides, ladies in real life don't feel those things, you know.· In real life, neither proceeds in the linear, additive fashion envisioned in workbooks.· Swoon and Basic Instinct aren't real life, remember?· If she had happened to be a woman out of touch with real life, that would have bored him.· A: Usually from things that happen in real life, from things that my three kids have done.· In real life the onlookers are part of the activity and usually join in.· And one could tell from the restful silence in the car that they shared a very real life together.
· In time, a world divided into trading blocks would be a real possibility.· With Bobbie, unsound judgments were not a real possibility.· Mutual respect is a real possibility in such activities.· With all this brass flying overhead, conflicting orders were a real possibility.· Where this situation is a remote but real possibility escape or rescue sets should be stored for emergency use.· More recently, the threat of Quebec's secession confronted the country with the very real possibility of political breakup.· Since the province was a hotbed of gentry resistance to the emancipation, confrontation looked a real possibility.· Easier divorce makes ending an unsatisfactory marriage a real possibility.
· It's in the middle where their real problems lie.· We got a real problem on our hands.· The real problem was that many students felt unable to ask for help when they were in difficulty.· Toy problems may converge in a reasonable amount of time; real problems may magnify the task beyond reasonable limits.· But it is not the level of pay that is the real problem.· This scenario demonstrates a real problem with a significant population of individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness.· However, there are now real problems and the solutions to them can no longer be delayed or fudged.· This creates a real problem in the life of a young adult.
· This thoughtless response is so much easier than confronting the real reasons, as it has an inevitability about it.· Because I know the real reason she wants to leave.· For an ugly moment I had been convinced she had guessed the real reason for my avid professional interest in Bill Francis.· But the real reason I went was this: I just felt like seeing something stupid.· This was just an excuse: the real reason they wanted to come was that they very much needed food at home.· Basically, she knew the real reason why she shunned the group was because of her shyness.· However, as soon as we reached our new vantage I understood the real reason why he had wanted to move.· The individual whose own income is going up has no real reason to incur the opprobrium of this discussion.
· Choreographically, James was the real thing.· So on your beefy splurge night, enjoy the real thing.· Now, his songs are intended as the real thing, but widely assumed to be some sort of parody.· We enjoy these tasks for themselves; it is a pleasure to do real things in a real house.· How disappointed would you be if you went to a game and they made you watch a video instead of the real thing?· But we ended up with nothing but the taste of real things on our tongues.· The real thing is much more complex.· It turns out that one is a knockoff, the other, the real thing.
· I said we needed a weekend, real time, for both of us, and you said give it time.· Although they require considerable self-training, such networks are potentially very fast and can work in real time.· Video and other images can be captured, manipulated and displayed in real time.· In other words, this is all happening in real time.· This is the so-called imaginary direction of time, at right angles to real time.· It is the pace at which things work, played out in real time.· Why doesn't one just stick to the ordinary, real time that we understand?· The neural network approach requires fewer resources than conventional statistical methods, and further, can process data in real time.
· To assume that he responds directly to data from the real world is to oversimplify the relationship between his inputs and outputs.· The real world would not be so forgiving.· Looking back, that square was my gateway to the real world - and the gate could only work one way.· In the real world nature has an answer for every question.· I sit at the bar and watch the real world go by.· No reality, he wrote, only images masquerading as reality, only dreams masquerading as the real world.· In the real world of business, marketing and sales people do not treat customers as resistors.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► are you for real?PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► be a (real) piece of work
- He quit smoking? For real?
- "Get real! He'll never make the team."
- I can keep it real simple.
- Experimentalists suggest that randomized assignment is much more possible in the real world than many people suspect.
- Going outside would be a shock: I needed some time to decompress before facing the real world.
- I sit at the bar and watch the real world go by.
- If the Prime Minister thinks that all that adds up to recovery, he is not living in the real world.
- In the real world things are more complex.
- In the real world, political work goes on whether or not the public takes an interest.
- My work is based on things remembered or imagined rather than the real world around me.
- This is information that can be used in the real world.
- "Is it a Rolex watch?" "Yes, it's the real McCoy."
- The dress had a designer label, but I couldn't tell if it was the real McCoy or a cheap imitation.
- The moment I smelled the cigar, I knew it was the real McCoy.
- This is genuine malt whiskey - the real McCoy.
- He has yet to prove, though, that this patch is the real McCoy, the birthplace of a hot-spot plume.
- Walter stayed in the North, felt at home there, so his books are authentic - the real McCoy.
WORD FAMILYnounrealismrealistrealityunrealityrealizationadjectiverealunrealrealistic ≠ unrealisticadverbrealreallyrealistically ≠ unrealisticallyverbrealize
1important something that is real exists and is important: There is a real danger that the disease might spread. We need to tackle the real problems of unemployment and poverty. There is no real reason to worry.2not artificial something that is real is actually what it seems to be and not false or artificial OPP fake: a coat made of real fur She had never seen a real live elephant before. Artificial flowers can sometimes look better than the real thing.► see thesaurus at genuine3not imaginary something that is real actually exists and is not just imagined: The children know that Santa Claus isn’t a real person. Dreams can sometimes seem very real. Things don’t happen quite that easily in real life.4the real world used to talk about the difficult experience of living and working with other people, rather than being protected at home, at school, or at college: the shock of leaving university and going out into the real world5true [only before noun] actual and true, not invented: That’s not her real name. What was the real reason you quit your job?6feelings a real feeling or emotion is one that you actually experience and is strong SYN genuine: There was a look of real hatred in her eyes. I got a real sense of achievement when my work was first published.7right qualities [only before noun] a real thing has all the qualities you expect something of that type to have: I remember my first real job. Simon was her first real boyfriend.SPOKEN PHRASES8for emphasis [only before noun] used to emphasize how stupid, beautiful, terrible etc someone or something is: Thanks – you’ve been a real help. The house was a real mess.9for real seriously, not just pretending: After two trial runs we did it for real.10are you for real? American English used when you are very surprised or shocked by what someone has done or said11get real! used to tell someone that they are being very silly or unreasonable12keep it real to behave in an honest way and not pretend to be different from how you really are13money [only before noun] a real increase or decrease in an amount of money is one you calculate by including the general decrease in the value of money over a period of time: a real increase of 6% in average wages The average value of salaries has fallen in real terms (=calculated in this way).real1 adjectivereal2 adverb
realreal2 ●●● S2 adverb American English spoken EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Carla's little boy is real cute.
- He got up real close to the bear and took a picture.
- I think it was real sweet that she called me herself.
- The sidewalk was real wet and slippery.
- He was real sensitive during the dinner, and so was Ann.
- I felt something real heavy on my chest.
- I know my kids real well.
- I remember all this part real clear.
- I tried to pray, real hard I tried.
- Maybe I just twisted it real bad.
- This was real good of you, Clarence.
- You got to get a permit for those, and the permits are real expensive, okay?
Longman Language Activatornot false or artificial
not false or artificial: · Is that a real diamond?· Are those flowers real or artificial?· People call him Baz, but his real name is Reginald.
real, not just seeming to be real or pretending to be real: · For years people thought the picture was a genuine Van Gogh, but in fact it's a fake.· We need a much faster system for dealing with genuine refugees.· If a student has genuine religious objections to a school activity, they do not have to participate.
authentic food, music, clothes etc are correct for the place or the period in history that they are supposed to be from: · a friendly restaurant offering authentic Greek food· They play music on authentic medieval instruments.· The dancers wore authentic Native American designs.
people or things that are bona fide are really what they say they are, especially when this can be checked by looking at official records, personal papers etc: · This club is only open to bona fide members.· We have to check that he holds a bona fide qualification.· The company can only reimburse bona fide business-related expenses.
not artificial and no made by people: · I prefer natural fibres such as wool and cotton.· His natural hair color is brown.· We only use natural products.
something that is the thing it is meant to be, and not a cheaper or lower quality thing: · Recorded music will never be as good as listening to the real thing.· I'd seen pictures of the painting, but it was very different seeing the real thing.
something such as a car, painting, or piece of furniture or clothing, that really is made, produced, or designed by a famous and admired person or company: · He owns a 1947 Ferrari -- the genuine article.· With paintings it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the genuine article from a good reproduction.
informal something that is real, and not a cheaper, lower quality product: · The moment I smelled the cigar, I knew it was the real McCoy.· The dress had a designer label, but I couldn't tell if it was the real McCoy or a cheap imitation.
having the qualities that make a particular type of person or thing real use this to emphasize that someone or something has the qualities that a particular kind of person or thing should have: · Jane's been a real friend to me over the years.· She's a real tomboy!· What the country needs now is a real leader.
someone who is a true friend, believer etc is not just pretending to be one and has all of the qualities that a friend, believer etc is supposed to have: · He was a good partner and a true friend to me.· Being a true Red Sox fan, he never missed a game.· She makes the dance look easy - the mark of a true professional.· True Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
British real and not something similar which is not as good: · When are you going to get a proper job?· We don't have a proper guest room, but you can have the sofa in the study.
when someone really feels something when you really feel something, really want something etc, and you are not just pretending to feel it: · Do you think she's really sorry?· Do you really want to come with us? It'll be very boring for you.· I don't think she really believes she can win.
use this to describe feelings, attitudes and beliefs that someone really feels and is not just pretending to feel: · She was clearly in real pain.· He didn't show any real regret for the suffering he had caused.· Real commitment is needed from everyone on the team if we're going to make this project work.
if you are sincere , or have sincere feelings, you really feel or believe something and are not just pretending: · It is my sincere belief that if we work together we can achieve peace in this country.sincere in: · They seemed to be sincere in their concern for the children's welfare.sincere thanks/apologies formal: · I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who helped us.
genuine feelings are real and not pretended - use this especially when you are surprised that someone has these feelings: · I'm not sure if her sympathy was really genuine.· For the first time on the trip, I saw genuine fear in his eyes.· This is the first genuine attempt to reach a peaceful settlement to the dispute.
very real and strongly felt: · Christine breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief.· She expressed her heartfelt thanks to all those who had helped and supported her.· Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on your sad loss.· The family made a heartfelt plea to the kidnappers to release their son.
if you say or mean something from the heart , you really mean it and feel it very strongly: · He stood up and spoke simply but from the heart.from the bottom of somebody's heart: · I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.straight from the heart: · I'm speaking straight from the heart when I say that I believe Marguerite deserves to be chairman.
if you truly believe, want, or feel something, you believe, want, or feel it very strongly and are not just pretending: · I truly believe he is innocent.· She seems truly sorry for what she did.· I truly am impressed with your work.
a feeling that is true is real and strongly felt, not just pretended: · At last he had found true happiness.· As far as Gabby was concerned this was true love.
when someone thinks or feels something but hides it used to say what someone's real thoughts and feelings are when they are pretending to think or feel something else: · Neither of us really wanted to stay in Texas, but we couldn't leave his family at that time.· She didn't complain, but I knew that really she was quite fed up with us all.· Don't trust James -- all he's really interested in is your money.
if you think or feel something deep down , that is what you really think or feel even though you may not say or show it: · He pretends he doesn't care, but deep down I know he's very upset.· I kept pushing the team, but deep down I think I knew we wouldn't win.
if someone is a particular kind of person underneath it all , this is what they are really like: · He likes to show people his tough side, but underneath it all, he's a decent person.
if you feel something inside , that is the way you really feel, even though you do not show it: · I wish I knew what he was feeling inside.· These kids seem so aggressive, but inside they're terrified.
when things or people really exist used to describe people or things that really exist and have not been imagined: · You can dress up either as a fictional character or a real person.very real: · His problems are very real. I don't think you should laugh at him.· There was a very real danger of being robbed during the night.
real, especially as compared with what is intended, believed, or what is usually expected: · How does the actual cost compare with the budget?· Although buses are supposed to run every fifteen minutes, the actual waiting time can be up to an hour.· The actual amount of water needed by the crop depends on the weather conditions.
the true value, nature, importance etc of something is its real value etc rather than what seems at first to be correct: · It is difficult to measure the true value of these amenities to the local community.· The true significance of the General's offer has yet to be established.
informal a real live person or animal is one that is actually alive and real: · Seeing real live animals in a zoo is much more exciting that just watching them on television.· I've never met a real live movie star before!
when information, statements etc are based on real facts based on facts and not imagined: · No, honestly, It's a true story.· She says her parents arrived here as refugees, but I know that's not true.
based on things that can be proved to be true or real: · The police cannot arrest him until they have some solid evidence.· We had our suspicions, but no solid facts.· No one seems to have any concrete information about her.
firmly based on facts, able to be proved by being seen or experienced: tangible evidence/proof/results etc: · The discussions produced no tangible results.· There is no tangible evidence of dishonesty among the company's directors.
when pictures, films etc make things seem real use this about books, pictures, and films that show or describe things as they really are: · The book includes some very realistic descriptions of life during the war.· A lot of people like paintings to look realistic.· Planning your dream home? You can build a more realistic model with our new 3-D kit.
use this about pictures and models that look very like the real person or thing: · Outside the museum is a huge, lifelike model of a dinosaur.· The directors wanted the computer-generated images to look as lifelike as possible.
the quality in a painting, film, story etc that makes it seem real and believable: · The battle scenes are described with extraordinary realism.· His style combines plain language and gritty realism.
a film, play, story etc that is true to life , shows or describes things as they really are: · It's a great story, but not always true to life.· The film gives us a true to life picture of 1920s Chicago.
vivid descriptions, memories, dreams etc are so clear that they seem real: · The book gives a vivid account of the author's journey through northern Africa.· I loved listening to his vivid descriptions of life in Italy.· One of my most vivid memories is of my first day at school.· The drug can make people suffer hallucinations and vivid nightmares.
when pictures, films etc do not make things seem real abstract paintings, pictures, designs etc contain shapes and images that represent real things and people but do not look like them: · a new exhibition of abstract paintings· A lot of people don't like abstract art.· It's an abstract design that's supposed to represent freedom and strength.
something that is unrealistic shows or describes things in a way that does not seem real, and is therefore not very good or cannot be believed: · I found the play boring and the characters unrealistic.· The film is ruined by all the unrealistic plot twists.
a story, situation etc that is contrived has been written or arranged in a way that seems false and not natural: · There's something very contrived about the whole story.· One critic described the movie as "a stale and hopelessly contrived comedy".
very · Juan is a very good dancer.· Your house is very different from the way I'd imagined it.· "Was it a good movie?" "Yes, very."· This meeting is very important, so be on time.· During our time working together I got to know her very well.· Everything was happening very quickly, and I don't remember it all.· The ambassador made a brief statement, saying that the talks had been very productive.
especially spoken use this especially to talk about your feelings or what you think about something: · It's really cold out there.· I'm always really hungry by noon.· That's a really pretty dress - where did you get it?· Considering this was your first time, I think you did really well.
formal very - use this only with particular adjectives: highly dangerous/toxic/flammable: · Danger: highly flammable materials!highly skilled/educated/ trained/intelligent: · Our engineers are highly skilled and very difficult to replace when they leave.highly likely/unlikely/probable/doubtful/suspicious: · I think it's highly unlikely that Bob had anything to do with the theft.highly successful/productive: · She arrived in Australia as a refugee, but went on to become a highly successful lawyer.
use this to describe very strong or very sincere feelings: · We are all deeply saddened by Bill's sudden death.· The ceremony was short but deeply moving.· Senator McCain is deeply committed to campaign finance reform.· I want you to know how deeply grateful I am for everything you've done for me.· Local residents are deeply concerned about the threat to health posed by the power station.
American spoken very: · I think it was real sweet that she called me herself.· The sidewalk was real wet and slippery.· He got up real close to the bear and took a picture.
use this to emphasize how you feel about something: · It all happened so fast.· You've been so kind. I hope I can repay you some day.· The dresses were lovely, and the colours were so pretty.· That puppy is so cute!
especially American, spoken use this to emphasize a description of someone or something: · She's one crazy lady!· That's one fancy car you've got there.
definitely or in a way that is easily noticed: · The weather had turned decidedly chilly.· The play has received decidedly negative reviews.
especially British use this with words that mean 'excellent': · Thank you, Gloria. That meal was quite delicious!· The concert was quite wonderful. I'm sorry you couldn't make it.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It’s a real drag having to travel so far to work every day. Mr Field was a real gentleman. The laboratory tests are of little real value. We were so excited to see real live elephants. The dogs next door are a real nuisance. Jan’s a real peach. Kyle’s a real smoothie. This cold I’ve got is a real stinker. When we were kids, a trip to the beach was a real treat.
· ‘Where did you learn to do that?’ she asked with genuine admiration.
(=a definite advantage)· The new system has some real advantages.
· Co-operation offers the only real alternative.
· He laughed out loud with genuine amusement.
· There is real anger about the amount of money that has been wasted.
· In the market you can sometimes pick up a real bargain.
· To get some real benefit from the exercise, you should continue for at least half an hour.
(=a difficult one)· On Monday, Sharapova faced her first real challenge of the tournament.
· The job demands real commitment to teaching.
· Pensions are a genuine concern to many people.
· All her life she had a genuine desire to help the poor.
It’s a real drag having to travel so far to work every day. (=very strong emotion)· There was real emotion in his voice.
· She talked about the project with genuine enthusiasm.
· A goal two minutes from the end provided the game's only genuine excitement.
(=one that burns wood or coal)· There was a real fire blazing in the fireplace.
Mr Field was a real gentleman. (=having all the qualities which happiness should have)· At last, she found true happiness with a man she loved.
· Prolonged illness can cause real hardship for many families.
(=used to emphasize that something is very annoying or causes a lot of problems)· Carrying a heavy bag around all day is a real hassle.
· The real heroes were the guys who fought in the front lines.
· The true identity of the author was not revealed until 100 years later.
informal (=a big impact)· The film made a real impact on cinema audiences.
· How can I find true joy in life?
The laboratory tests are of little real value. We were so excited to see real live elephants.· You could see real love in their eyes.
· What were his true motives for offering her the job?
(=one that really exists)· There is a real need for after-school care in our area.
· The situation with our neighbours is a real nightmare!
The dogs next door are a real nuisance. (=a serious one)· The lack of oil and gas resources in Northeast Asia is a real obstacle to the region's economic development.
(=something that you can really choose to do)· I wanted to start my own business but financially it was never a realistic option.
(=their biological parents)· I was thrilled to have found my real parents.
Jan’s a real peach.· She smiled with genuine pleasure.
(=something that is quite likely)· At this moment, a recession is a real possibility.
· The real power lay with the president’s advisers.
· They quickly found that their real problem lay with marketing.
· Significant progress has been made in reducing nuclear weapons.
· What was the real purpose of their visit?
· What do you think was the real reason for their decision?
· There is a real risk that there could be another war.
(=great satisfaction)· There is real satisfaction in helping other people to overcome their problems.
(=your real character)· At last he had revealed his true self.
(=a strong feeling)· Children need to feel a real sense of belonging.
(=used to emphasise that a statement or description is true)· The truth is that in a very real sense most families in Britain are not poor.
Kyle’s a real smoothie. (=the only good solution)· The real solution to the waste problem is to produce much less waste.
This cold I’ve got is a real stinker.· The play's real strength is the way it explores relationships.
· She has real talent and with a little help she could go far.
· These measures pose a real threat to the future of agriculture.
· Playing in such an important game must be a real thrill.
When we were kids, a trip to the beach was a real treat.· They lacked any real understanding of the subject.
(=its value after considering inflation)· The real value of their salaries has fallen.
(=a calculation of how much your wages will buy, usually compared to how much you were able to buy in the past)· Average real wages rose by 26% between 1919 and 1929.
· It's a real worry that he is so far away.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· This was real good of you, Clarence.· Some people do it real good.· I thought you did real good this morning.· I feel real good about his marketing skills.· A lot of guys do real good with the two hours you spend on the court each day.· You did real good, Bob.· The team needed it and I felt real good up there, real confident.· Lissen, and lissen real good, chink boy.
· Me: Much of the neighborhood is, and they keep it up real nice, Neighborhood Watch and all.
VERB· A lot of commanders flying these missions liked to get real close to get a good look.· They get real intense, real soon.· I got real serious about it.· Everybody got real excited about this otter and started running back and forth, sort of following it upriver.· When it got older it got real fat and started to growl at me.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► be a (real) piece of work
- "Is it a Rolex watch?" "Yes, it's the real McCoy."
- The dress had a designer label, but I couldn't tell if it was the real McCoy or a cheap imitation.
- The moment I smelled the cigar, I knew it was the real McCoy.
- This is genuine malt whiskey - the real McCoy.
- He has yet to prove, though, that this patch is the real McCoy, the birthplace of a hot-spot plume.
- Walter stayed in the North, felt at home there, so his books are authentic - the real McCoy.
WORD FAMILYnounrealismrealistrealityunrealityrealizationadjectiverealunrealrealistic ≠ unrealisticadverbrealreallyrealistically ≠ unrealisticallyverbrealize
very: He’s real cute. It was real nice to see you again.