A1adjective1K

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

Meaning of Real

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

Real in a sentence

  • 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.

How to use Real

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.

Related words

Collocations with Real

  • 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 for Real

Opposites of Real

Common mistakes with Real

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

Compare Real with Genuine, Authentic, Actual, True

Real appears in

Real in other languages

More words like Real

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Frequently asked questions about Real

What does Real mean?

Something that exists or is true, not fake.

What is the definition of Real?

actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretended

How do you use Real in a sentence?

The cake looks real, but it is actually made of plastic.

Can you give another example of Real?

Is this a real diamond or just a fake one?

What are synonyms for Real?

Common alternatives include genuine, authentic, actual, true, veritable.

What is the opposite of Real?

Opposite meanings include fake, false, imaginary.

What words go with Real?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Real?

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

How do you pronounce Real?

US: /["/ˈriːəl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈriːəl//rɪəl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Real?

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.

What CEFR level is Real?

"Real" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.