real

Universal Words adjective, adverb adjective not imagined 1 actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretended: It wasn't a ghost; it was a real person. * pictures of animals, both real and mythological * In the movies guns kill people instantly, but it's not like that in real life. * Politicians seem to be out of touch with the real world. problem / danger 2 a real problem, danger, etc. is one that actually exists, is serious, and should not be ignored: The growth of violent crime is a very real problem. * There's no real possibility of them changing their minds. * We have a real chance of success. true 3 [onlybeforenoun] actual or true, rather than what appears to be true: Tell me the real reason. * Bono's real name is Paul Hewson. * See the real Africa on one of our walking safaris. * I do my best to hide my real feelings from others. genuine 4 [onlybeforenoun] having all the important qualities that it should have to deserve to be called what it is called: She never had any real friends at school. * his first real kiss 5 genuine and not false or artificial: Are those real flowers? * real gold / silk / leather feelings / qualities 6 strong and sincere: I had no real interest in politics. * He was making a real effort to be nice to her. * She has not shown any real regret for what she did. for emphasis 7 [onlybeforenoun] used to emphasize a state or quality: He looks a real idiot. * This accident could have produced a real tragedy. * Her next play was a real contrast. * This is a real privilege. money / incomes 8 [onlybeforenoun] when the effect of such things as price rises on the power of money to buy things is included in the sums: Real wage costs have risen by 10% in the past year. * This represents a reduction of 5% in real terms. IDIOMS for real genuine or serious: This is not a fire drill-it's for real. * (AmE) He managed to convince voters that he was for real. * I don't think her tears were for real. get real (informal) used to tell sb that they are behaving in a stupid or unreasonable way the real thing (informal) the genuine thing: Are you sure it's the real thing (= love), not just infatuation? moreatMCCOY, POWERn. adverb (AmE, ScotE, informal) very: That tastes real good. * He's a real nice guy. * I'm real sorry. ______________________________ WHICHWORD? (low priority)real / true There is a difference between real and true in their main meanings. Something that is real actually exists or happens and is not imagined: Was it real or was it a dream? Something is true if it agrees with the known facts and is not invented: Is the news true? * a movie based on a true story. In some other meanings, both words can be used. For example, you can use either real or true to talk about what is actually the case when this is different from what appears to be the case: Tell me the real reason why he resigned. * He seems quiet but reveals his true character on the football field. You can also use either word to talk about an example of something that has all the important qualities it should have: She was his first real girlfriend. * This job will be a true test of the new system. ______________________________