- real
- [[t]ri͟ːl[/t]]
♦1) ADJ Something that is real actually exists and is not imagined, invented, or theoretical.
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real...
Legends grew up around a great many figures, both real and fictitious.
Syn:Ant:2) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n If something is real to someone, they experience it as though it really exists or happens, even though it does not.Whitechild's life becomes increasingly real to the reader.
3) ADJ: usu ADJ n A material or object that is real is natural or functioning, and not artificial or an imitation....the smell of real leather...
Who's to know if they're real guns or not?...
Desmond did not believe the diamond was real.
Syn:Ant:fake, imitation4) ADJ: ADJ n You can use real to describe someone or something that has all the characteristics or qualities that such a person or thing typically has....his first real girlfriend...
He's not a real alcoholic...
The only real job I'd ever had was as manager of the local cafe.
Syn:5) ADJ: ADJ n You can use real to describe something that is the true or original thing of its kind, in contrast to one that someone wants you to believe is true.This was the real reason for her call...
Her real name had been Miriam Pinckus.
Syn:6) ADJ: ADJ n You can use real to describe something that is the most important or typical part of a thing.When he talks, he only gives glimpses of his real self...
The smart executive has people he can trust doing all the real work.
...a solo journey to discover the real America.
Syn:7) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n (emphasis) You can use real when you are talking about a situation or feeling to emphasize that it exists and is important or serious.Global warming is a real problem...
The prospect of civil war is very real...
There was never any real danger of the children being affected...
Political defeat seemed a real possibility at the end of 1981...
At least they have a real chance to find work.
8) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use real to emphasize a quality that is genuine and sincere.You've been drifting from job to job without any real commitment...
Germany has shown real determination to come to terms with the anti-Semitism of its past.
9) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use real before nouns to emphasize your description of something or someone. [mainly SPOKEN]`It's a fabulous deal, a real bargain.'...
`You must think I'm a real idiot.'
10) ADJ: ADJ n The real cost or value of something is its cost or value after other amounts have been added or subtracted and when factors such as the level of inflation have been considered....the real cost of borrowing.
Syn:actual, netPHRASE: PHR with clYou can also talk about the cost or value of something in real terms.In real terms the cost of driving is cheaper than a decade ago... Pensions have increased in real terms over the last twenty years.
11) ADV: ADV adj/adv (emphasis) You can use real to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [AM, INFORMAL]He is finding prison life `real tough'...
I don't think you are trying real hard.
Syn:12) PHRASE: usu PHR after v If you say that someone does something for real, you mean that they actually do it and do not just pretend to do it.The sex scenes were just good acting. We didn't do it for real.
13) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you think that someone or something is very surprising, you can ask if they are for real. [AM, INFORMAL]Is this guy for real?
14) PHRASE If you say that a thing or event is the real thing, you mean that it is the thing or event itself, rather than an imitation or copy.The counterfeits sell for about $20 less than the real thing...
The Blairgowrie Highland Games, on the other hand, are the real thing rather than a media event.
English dictionary. 2008.
