A1adjective1K

Real

UK /["/ˈriːəl//rɪəl/"]/US /["/ˈriːəl/"]/

Definition

actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretended

In simple words: Something that exists or is true, not fake.

Examples

  • The cake looks real, but it is actually made of plastic.
  • Is this a real diamond or just a fake one?
  • He always shares real stories from his life.
  • The movie felt so real that I cried.
  • They say that finding happiness is the real treasure.
  • This painting is a real masterpiece.
  • Many people want to have real friends in their lives.
  • We must face the real challenges of our time.

Usage notes

Used to describe authenticity or truth. It's appropriate in most contexts but can sound overly emphatic if used in casual conversation. For example, saying 'Is this real?' is common, while 'This is real!' may seem dramatic.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'real' deal; imagine a seal of authenticity on a product.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • all too
  • very
  • frighteningly
  • real and/​or imaginary
  • real and/​or imagined
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • all too
  • very
  • frighteningly
  • real and/​or imaginary
  • real and/​or imagined

Synonyms

  • genuine
  • authentic
  • actual
  • true
  • veritable

Antonyms

  • fake
  • false
  • imaginary

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'really' when describing intensity.
  • 'Real' used incorrectly as a verb.
  • Used in place of 'genuine' to describe people.