What is reality? Pronunciation and usage in English

reality means . Learn how to pronounce and use reality through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reality

realitynoun

/rɪˈalɪti/
Definition & pronunciation of reality

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reality" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • rɪˈæləti (rhymes with "belly-ati")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. rɪ - This is like the "ri" in "rip." It's a quick, short "r" sound. Don't over-emphasize it.
  2. ˈæ - This is a broad "a" sound, like in "father" or "cat." It's longer and more open than the "a" in "car." This is the stressed syllable.
  3. lə - This is a short "uh" sound, similar to the "u" in "cut."
  4. ˈti - Another stressed syllable. This is a short "t" sound, similar to the "t" in "top."

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("æ"). That's the part you want to emphasize when saying the word.
  • The “r” sound: Don't roll your "r's" like you would in Spanish. Just a quick, clear "r" sound is perfect.
  • The "æ" sound: This is often the trickiest part for non-native speakers. Try to open your mouth a little wider than you would for an "a" sound like in "cat" – a broader vowel sound.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Your native language will influence your pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word reality in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reality" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning: The State of Things as They Actually Are

  • Definition: This is the most fundamental meaning – the way things truly are, not how we wish them to be or how we imagine them.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s face reality – we don't have enough money to go on vacation.” (Acknowledging a difficult truth)
    • “Despite the rumors, reality is that she's just busy with work.” (The actual situation)
    • "The reality of poverty is incredibly harsh." (The undeniable truth of poverty)

2. As a Noun – Concrete or Abstract

  • Concrete Reality: Refers to physical things, events, and circumstances.
    • "The reality of the storm is terrifying." (The physical danger)
    • "He experienced a harsh reality when he lost his job." (A tangible, upsetting situation)
  • Abstract Reality: Refers to concepts, ideas, and experiences that aren’t necessarily physical.
    • “The reality of human suffering is often ignored.” (The concept of suffering)
    • “She struggled to accept the reality of her illness.” (The emotional and psychological impact)

3. As a Verb – To Bring Something into Existence or to Make it So

  • Meaning: To cause something to be real; to make something happen.
  • Examples:
    • “The medication helped to reality his vision.” (To restore his eyesight)
    • “The company plans to reality its new product next month.” (To launch the product)
    • "His words began to reality a fear in her heart." (To create a feeling of fear)

4. Figurative Uses – More nuanced meanings

  • Realism (as a concept): Often used synonymously with "reality", emphasizing a focus on truth and accuracy, particularly in art, literature, or philosophy. You might say, “He painted a realistic portrayal of life.”
  • The Real World: This is a common phrase used to contrast with fantasy, imagination, or an idealized world. “Let’s come back to the real world and focus on what’s achievable.”
  • Reality Check: A situation or event that forces someone to confront the truth or to stop being naive. "I needed a reality check after spending all my savings on a bad investment."

5. Common Phrases & Expressions

  • "Face the reality…": To confront a difficult truth.
  • "In reality…": To actually or truly; something different from what was assumed. "In reality, he’s a very kind person."
  • "It’s just reality…": An acceptance of a difficult or unpleasant truth.
  • “Living in a fantasy world”: Being detached from reality, indulging in unrealistic ideas.

Tips for Using "Reality" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "reality" will always depend on the surrounding words and the overall situation.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “truth,” “fact,” “circumstances,” “situation,” or "state of affairs" to vary your language.
  • Don't overuse it: While a useful word, too much emphasis on “reality” can sound blunt or overly serious.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "reality"? (e.g., write a story, give a presentation, have a conversation?)
  • Is there a specific sentence or situation you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word reality

Idioms of the word reality

in reality
used to say that a situation is different from what has just been said or from what people believe
  • Outwardly she seemed confident but in reality she felt extremely nervous.
  • In reality, human beings and dinosaurs never lived on earth at the same time.
  • The media portray her as happy and successful, but in reality she has a difficult life.

Practice with vocabulary reality

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the optimistic projections, the harsh _______ of the market downturn forced the company to revise its strategy.
  2. Virtual _______ simulations are increasingly used in professional training to prepare individuals for complex real-world scenarios.
  3. Her _______ of the problem was entirely different from mine, leading to a significant misunderstanding in the team meeting.
  4. The scientific community relies on verifiable _______ and empirical evidence to support its groundbreaking theories.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Before investing, it's crucial to distinguish between the speculative hype surrounding a new technology and its practical _______. A) perception B) actuality C) illusion D) reality E) fantasy

  2. The team's initial proposal was ambitious, but the project manager urged them to ground their plans in the current financial _______ of the organization. A) circumstances B) truth C) situation D) reality E) imagination

  3. His vivid dreams often blurred the line between what was genuinely happening and what was purely a figment of his _______. A) actual events B) reality C) imagination D) delusion E) true state

  4. The legal team worked tirelessly to uncover the undisputed _______ of the contractual dispute, reviewing all available documents. A) perception B) fact C) fantasy D) illusion E) fabrication

  5. The current geopolitical _______ demands careful diplomatic engagement from all parties involved in the region. A) illusion B) situation C) fantasy D) landscape E) state

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project's initial budget proved to be impractical given the high costs of materials. (Rewrite using "reality" or a related word form.)
  2. It is important for management to assess the company's financial health in a practical way. (Rewrite using "reality" or a related word form.)
  3. Despite his vivid imagination, he always knew what was actually happening. (Rewrite without using "reality" or its related word forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the optimistic projections, the harsh reality of the market downturn forced the company to revise its strategy.
  2. Virtual reality simulations are increasingly used in professional training to prepare individuals for complex real-world scenarios.
  3. Her perception of the problem was entirely different from mine, leading to a significant misunderstanding in the team meeting.
  4. The scientific community relies on verifiable facts and empirical evidence to support its groundbreaking theories.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) actuality, D) reality
  2. A) circumstances, C) situation, D) reality
  3. A) actual events, B) reality
  4. B) fact
  5. B) situation, D) landscape, E) state

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project's initial budget did not align with the reality of high material costs.
  2. Management must make a realistic assessment of the company's financial health.
  3. Despite his vivid imagination, he always understood the true circumstances.

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