reality
gb/ɹiˈæləti/ us/ɹiˈæləti/
B1
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
The real state of things
How things really are, not how we imagine them.
Usage pattern:
[something] is (or was) reality
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'reality' with 'realism'; 'realism' is an approach or style, while 'reality' is the actual state of things.
Synonyms
actuality (More formal; often used in contrast to possibility or theory.)
|
truth (Focuses on factual correctness rather than the broader state of existence.)
Antonyms
illusion (Refers to a false idea or appearance that does not match the true state of things.)
|
fantasy (Something imagined or invented, not existing in the real world.)
Collocations
face reality
|in reality
|harsh reality
|accept reality
|escape reality
Themes
philosophy
|daily life
|perception
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We need to face the reality of the situation.
- In reality, the job is much harder than it looks.
- The movie is based on reality, not fiction.
- She finally accepted the reality that he was gone.
- Virtual reality tries to simulate real life.
Learner examples
- This is the reality of life.
- In reality, it is not easy.
- He must face the reality of his mistake.
- We live in reality, not in dreams.
- She saw the reality of the problem.
Noun
B2
entity
2
A real-world situation or fact
A real situation or fact that you must deal with.
Usage pattern:
the reality of [something]
Synonyms
fact (A piece of true information, without necessarily implying its impact or seriousness.)
|
circumstance (A condition affecting a situation; more neutral and less abstract.)
Antonyms
fiction (Imagined events or situations, especially in stories.)
Collocations
economic realities
|political realities
|everyday reality
|the grim reality
Themes
daily life
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The economic realities are forcing companies to cut jobs.
- War is a terrible reality for many people.
- The reality of climate change cannot be ignored.
- The grim reality is that many will lose their homes.
- She couldn't handle the realities of parenthood.
Learner examples
- The reality of war is very sad.
- We must face the reality of climate change.
- The reality of life is sometimes hard.
- He learned the reality of his new job.
- The reality of the problem is clear.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reality
IPA
GB/ɹiˈæləti/
US/ɹiˈæləti/
Syllables & stress
real - ity (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: reality
- Plural: realities, reality
Word family
Forms
realities
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
surreal
adjective
unreality
noun
Expressions
face reality
1/fˈeɪs ɹiˈæləti/
fixed phrase
Accept the truth
To accept and deal with something that is true but unpleasant.
Examples
- It's time for you to face reality and find a job.
- We have to face reality: we can't afford this house.
in reality
1/ˈɪn ɹiˈæləti/
fixed phrase
Actually; in fact
Used to say what is really true, not what people think or say.
Examples
- He seems confident, but in reality he's very nervous.
- In reality, the project will take months to finish.
escape from reality
1/ɪskˈeɪp fɹˈʌm ɹiˈæləti/
fixed phrase
Avoid thinking about real life problems
To stop thinking about real life problems by doing or imagining something else.
Examples
- Some people watch movies to escape from reality.
- Vacations can help us escape from reality for a while.
escape from reality
2/ɪskˈeɪp fɹˈʌm ɹiˈæləti/
fixed phrase
Avoid real life
To avoid thinking about real problems by doing something different or imaginary.
Examples
- Books are a way for her to escape from reality.
- Some people use games to escape from reality.
virtual reality
1/vˈɚt͡ʃuəl ɹiˈæləti/
fixed phrase
technical
computer-made interactive 3D world
A computer-made place that feels real when you use special equipment like goggles and headphones.
Examples
- Virtual reality can make you feel like you're in another place.
- Virtual reality can make you feel like you are walking on another planet.
- He tried a virtual reality game at the store.
- The training program uses virtual reality to simulate dangerous situations.