Real Meaning
Real Definition & Usage
Having actual existence or reality; not imaginary or fictitious.
Examples
- "The tree in the garden is real, not a painting."
- "She couldn't believe the news; it felt too unreal to be true."
- "Is this the real reason you missed the meeting?"
- "He was a real hero for saving those people in the fire."
- "In the real world, things aren't always so simple."
Genuine or authentic, as opposed to fake or superficial.
Examples
- "She gave me a real diamond for my birthday."
- "That was a real struggle to get through the traffic."
- "You need to get a real job, not just a part-time gig."
- "I’ve been searching for a real friend who will stick by me."
- "It was a real pleasure meeting you yesterday."
Referring to actual value or substance, as opposed to nominal or theoretical.
Examples
- "The real value of the house is much higher than the listed price."
- "In real terms, wages have not improved in the last decade."
- "He was calculating the real cost of the project, beyond the initial budget."
- "Inflation has eroded the real purchasing power of the dollar."
- "Real GDP is a key indicator of economic growth."
A term used to refer to a genuine or legitimate thing or person.
Examples
- "That car is the real deal, no gimmicks."
- "He's the real McCoy when it comes to fixing old cars."
- "You can trust her; she's real people."
- "Don't worry about him—he's as real as they come."
- "This is the real thing; nothing else compares."
Cultural Context
The word 'real' has evolved over centuries. Originating from Latin 'realis' and French 'reel,' it originally referred to something that existed in a concrete, tangible form. Over time, its use has broadened to cover authenticity, emotional sincerity, and value assessment in various fields, including economics and everyday life.
The Real Thing
Story
The Real Thing
It was a warm summer evening when Mia walked into the bustling café. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the soft hum of conversation made her feel right at home. As she scanned the room for an empty table, her eyes caught sight of a familiar face—Tom, her old friend from college. They hadn’t spoken in years, but it felt like no time had passed at all. 'Hey, Mia!' Tom waved, a broad smile on his face. 'You look like the real deal,' he joked, referring to her polished appearance. Mia laughed, taking a seat across from him. 'It’s good to see you,' she said. 'You’re looking like a real professional yourself.' Tom had become a successful architect, with his own firm now. But Mia was still struggling to make ends meet with her freelance graphic design work. As they caught up on old times, Mia couldn’t help but notice how different Tom’s life seemed now. 'You always seemed like the kind of guy who would make it big,' she remarked. 'Yeah, I guess I’m living the real dream now,' he said with a wink, but Mia detected a hint of uncertainty in his voice. 'It’s not always what it seems, you know,' Mia said softly. 'Sometimes what you think is real is just a facade.' She had been struggling with this idea for a while, questioning what truly mattered. 'I hear you,' Tom nodded, his gaze turning thoughtful. 'I always thought money and success were the real measures of life. But now, I’m starting to think that maybe being happy and authentic—that’s what counts.' They continued talking about their dreams and challenges, and by the end of the evening, Mia realized something important. Maybe the 'real' thing in life wasn’t about status or wealth, but about being true to oneself. As they parted ways, Tom hugged her tightly. 'Let’s not wait another five years to do this again,' he said. Mia smiled. 'I’ll make it a real priority.'
Related Words
