Reality
In a Nutshell
Origin
1540s, "quality of being real," from French réalité, also known as fixed property, and directly Medieval Latin realitatem (nominative realitas), from Late Latin realis (see real (adj.)). Meaning "real existence, all that is real" is from 1640s; that of "the real state (of something)" is from 1680s. Sometimes 17c.-18c. also meaning "sincerity." Reality-based attested from 1960. Reality television from 1991.
Antonyms
Possibility, Fantasy, Idea, Imagination, Falseness
Synonyms
Existence, Matter, Truth, Actuality, Tangibility, Absoluteness
Denotations and Connotations
Denotations
- The state or quality of being real
- Something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
- One, such as a person, an entity, or an event that is actual
- The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence
Connotations
- Harsh
- Situational
- Truth
- Philosophically Abstract
Edgar Allen Poe
Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.
Albert Einstein
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a persistent one
Plutarch
What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.
Definition
Reality - The state of existence, as well as having substance, of a being that is not just perceived but actually exists.