real
Actually existing or true
Something that is real exists and is not made up or imagined.
[something] is real
- The danger was very real, so we left immediately.
- I can't believe this is real—it's like a dream.
- She finally met a real celebrity at the event.
- Is that diamond real or fake?
- Climate change is a real and urgent issue.
- The dog is real, not a toy.
- This story is real, not made up.
- That is a real flower, not plastic.
- The money is real.
- The problem is real.
Genuine or sincere
If someone is real, they are honest and not pretending to be something else.
[someone] is real
- He's one of the most real people I've ever met.
- I appreciate her because she's so real about her struggles.
- Fans love the singer for being real with them.
- You can tell he's real—he doesn't try to impress anyone.
- She is a real friend.
- He is real about his life.
- They are real with each other.
- She shows her real feelings.
Not artificial or fake
If something is real, it is made of the true material and not fake.
real [material/noun]
- This bag is made of real leather.
- Are those pearls real or imitation?
- He only drinks coffee made from real beans.
- This ring is real gold.
- The coat is real fur.
- The bag is real leather.
Very great or extreme (informal)
'Real' can mean 'very' when talking informally about how strong something is.
real [adjective]
- This cake is real good!
- It was a real surprise to see him there.
- She's a real smart kid.
- This movie is real fun.
- He is real tall.
- The game was real exciting.
Brazilian currency unit
'Real' is the money used in Brazil. The plural form is 'reais'.
- The ticket costs fifty reais.
- I exchanged dollars for reals at the bank.
- Prices are listed in Brazilian reals.
- I have ten reais.
- The book costs five reais.
- Brazil uses the real as money.
- Base: real
- Comparative: realer
- Superlative: realest
- Base: real
- Plural: reales, reals, reis, riales
for real
1Genuinely true or happening
Used to say that something is really true or actually happening.
- Are you for real? I can't believe it!
- This time it's for real—we're getting married.
get real
1Be realistic about something
To stop dreaming or pretending and understand the truth about a situation.
- Get real! That plan will never work.
- You think you can finish this in one day? Get real.
in real life
1In the actual world, not virtual or fictional
In the world that is not online, in movies, or in games.
- We talk online but have never met in real life.
- In real life, things are more complicated than in films.
keep it real
1Act naturally and honestly
To be yourself and not pretend to be someone else.
- He's famous but still keeps it real with his fans.
- Remember to keep it real when you meet them.
make it real
1Turn an idea into reality
To do something so that an idea becomes true in the world.
- The artist's goal was to make her vision real.
- Technology can make these dreams real.