Words / A2

REERL/rɪəl/

Real means true, not imagined, copied, or false: a real diamond, a real problem, in real life. Genuine and true are close; fake and false are opposites. Really is the adverb: really good. Realistic means like real life, not the same as real. Do not write “a real money” — money is uncountable: real money.

Meaning

True; not imagined, copied, or false.

Examples

• “Is this a real diamond or a copy?”
• “Is this a real photograph or computer-made?”
• “She has a real talent for languages.”

Good to know

a real + noun. in real life. Adverb: really. Contrast: fake / false. Not “realistic” = real.

Near in meaning

genuine, true

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