real

"Real" is a very common and useful word in English with several important meanings. At its heart, it's about things that truly exist or are genuine — but it stretches into some interesting directions too. Here are the most important senses you'll encounter.

1adjectiveactually existing

When something is real, it actually exists in the world — it's not imaginary, invented, or made up. Think of the difference between a dream and waking life: the things around you right now are real.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Is that a real diamond, or just glass?

The movie was inspired by real events that happened in 1945.

As a child, she believed dragons were real.

2adjectivegenuine, not fake

Something real is the true, authentic version — not a copy, imitation, or pretend version. You use this when you want to say something is the 'real deal', not a substitute.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

This bag is made of real leather, not plastic.

I finally tasted real Italian pizza when I visited Rome.

He showed real courage when he stood up for his friend.

3adjectivefigurativeserious or significant

When you say something is a 'real problem' or a 'real challenge', you mean it is serious and important — not minor or trivial. It adds emphasis to show that something truly matters.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

Losing your passport abroad is a real problem.

There is a real risk of flooding in that area.

Getting everyone to agree was a real challenge.

4adverbvery (informal emphasis)

In informal spoken English, especially in American English, 'real' is used instead of 'really' or 'very' to add emphasis. It makes something sound stronger or more intense.

informal, spoken American English · Modern, informal usage

That test was real hard.

She was real happy to see her old friend.

Be real careful when you cross that road.

5adjectivein mathematics (real numbers)

In mathematics, 'real' describes a specific set of numbers — all the numbers you can place on a number line, including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. This is different from 'imaginary' numbers, which are a separate mathematical concept.

mathematics · Modern, technical usage

Both 3 and -7.5 are real numbers.

The equation has two real solutions.

In this course, we only work with real numbers, not complex ones.