Topic: ECONOMICS
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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | Medieval Latin realis 'of things (in law)', from Latin res 'thing' |
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real1 S1 W1
1 something that is real exists and is important : There is a real danger that the disease might spread. We need to tackle the real problems of unemployment and poverty.
important
There is a real danger that the disease might spread.We need to tackle the real problems of unemployment and poverty.2 something that is real is actually what it seems to be and not false or artificial [≠ fake]: a coat made of real fur
not artificial
a coat made of real fur3 something that is real actually exists and is not just imagined : The children know that Santa Claus isn't a real person. Dreams can sometimes seem very real.
not imaginary
The children know that Santa Claus isn't a real person.Dreams can sometimes seem very real.4 used to talk about the difficult experience of living and working with other people, rather than being protected at home, at school, or at college : the shock of leaving university and going out into the real world
the real world
the shock of leaving university and going out into the real world5 actual and true, not invented : That's not her real name.
true
[only before noun]That's not her real name.6 a real feeling or emotion is one that you actually experience and is strong [= genuine]: There was a look of real hatred in her eyes. I got a real sense of achievement when my work was first published.
feelings
There was a look of real hatred in her eyes.I got a real sense of achievement when my work was first published.7 a real thing has all the qualities you expect something of that type to have : I remember my first real job. Simon was her first real boyfriend.
right qualities
[only before noun]I remember my first real job.Simon was her first real boyfriend.8 spoken used to emphasize how stupid, beautiful, terrible etc someone or something is : Thanks - you've been a real help. The house was a real mess.
for emphasis
[only before noun]Thanks - you've been a real help.The house was a real mess.10 spoken used when you are very surprised or shocked by what someone has done or said
are you for real?
American English12 spoken to behave in an honest way and not pretend to be different from how you really are
keep it real
13BFPE a real increase or decrease in an amount of money is one you calculate by including the general decrease in the value of money over a period of time : a real increase of 6% in average wages
money
[only before noun]a real increase of 6% in average wages