/ riˈæləti; NAmE / noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U ] the true situation and the problems that actually exist in life, in contrast to how you would like life to be :
She refuses to face reality .
You're out of touch with reality.
The reality is that there is not enough money to pay for this project.
2.
[ C ] a thing that is actually experienced or seen, in contrast to what people might imagine :
the harsh realities of life
This decision reflects the realities of the political situation.
Will time travel ever become a reality ?
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IDIOMS
- in reality
—see also virtual reality
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: via French from medieval Latin realitas , from late Latin realis relating to things, from Latin res thing.