Something that is real actually exists and is not imagined, invented, or theoretical.
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.
Legends grew up around a great many figures, both real and fictitious.
Synonyms: true, actual, genuine, concrete More Synonyms of real
2. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If something is realto someone, they experience it as though it really exists or happens, even though it does not.
Whitechild's life becomes increasingly real to the reader. [+ to]
3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A material or object that is real is natural or functioning, and not artificial or an imitation.
...the smell of real leather.
Who's to know if they're real guns or not?
Desmond did not believe the diamond was real.
Synonyms: genuine, authentic, bona fide, dinkum [Australian, New Zealand, informal] More Synonyms of real
4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use real to describe someone or something that has all the characteristics or qualities that such a personor thing typically has.
...his first real girlfriend.
He's not a real artist.
The only real job I'd ever had was as manager of the local cafe.
Synonyms: proper, true, valid, legitimate More Synonyms of real
5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use real to describe something that is the true or original thing of its kind, in contrast to one that someone wants you to believe is true.
This was the real reason for her call.
Her real name had been Miriam Pinckus.
Synonyms: actual, true More Synonyms of real
6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use real to describe something that is the most important or typical part of a thing.
When he talks, he only gives glimpses of his real self.
The smart executive has people he can trust doing all the real work.
...a solo journey to discover the real America.
7. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use real when you are talking about a situation or feeling to emphasize that it exists and is important or serious.
[emphasis]
Global warming is a real problem.
The prospect of civil war is very real.
There was never any real danger of the children being affected.
Political defeat seemed a real possibility at the end of 1981.
At least they have a real chance to find work.
Synonyms: serious, pressing, worrying, significant More Synonyms of real
8. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use real to emphasize a quality that is genuine and sincere.
[emphasis]
You've been drifting from job to job without any real commitment.
I thought we were the team who showed real determination to win.
9. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use real before nouns to emphasize your description of something or someone.
[mainly spoken, emphasis]
'It's a fabulous deal, a real bargain.'
'You must think I'm a real idiot.'
Synonyms: complete, right, total, perfect More Synonyms of real
10. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
The real cost or value of something is its cost or value after other amounts have been added orsubtracted and when factors such as the level of inflation have been considered.
...the real cost of borrowing.
See in real terms
11. adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]
You can use real to emphasize an adjective or adverb.
[US, informal, emphasis]
He is finding prison life 'real tough'.
I don't think you are trying real hard.
Synonyms: extremely, very, really, particularly More Synonyms of real
12.
See for real
13.
See for real
14.
See the real thing
More Synonyms of real
real in British English1
(ˈrɪəl)
adjective
1.
existing or occurring in the physical world; not imaginary, fictitious, or theoretical; actual
2. (prenominal)
true; actual; not false
the real reason
3. (prenominal)
deserving the name; rightly so called
a real friend
4.
not artificial or simulated; genuine
real sympathy
real fur
5.
(of food, etc) traditionally made and having a distinct flavour
real ale
real cheese
6. philosophy
existent or relating to actual existence (as opposed to nonexistent, potential, contingent, or apparent)
7. (prenominal) economics
(of prices, incomes, wages, etc) considered in terms of purchasing power rather than nominal currency value
8. (prenominal)
denoting or relating to immovable property such as land and tenements
real property
Compare personal
9. physics Compare image (sense 2)
10. mathematics
involving or containing real numbers alone; having no imaginary part
11. music
a.
(of the answer in a fugue) preserving the intervals as they appear in the subject
b.
denoting a fugue as having such an answer
Compare tonal (sense 3)
12. informal
(intensifier)
a real fool
a real genius
13. the real thing
noun
14. short for real number
15. the real
16. for real
Derived forms
realness (ˈrealness)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Old French réel, from Late Latin reālis, from Latin rēs thing
real in British English2
(reɪˈɑːl, Spanish reˈal)
nounWord forms: pluralreals or reales (Spanish reˈales)
a former small Spanish or Spanish-American silver coin
Word origin
C17: from Spanish, literally: royal, from Latin rēgālis; see regal1
real in British English3
(Portuguese reˈal)
nounWord forms: pluralreis (rəjʃ)
1.
the standard monetary unit of Brazil, divided into 100 centavos
2.
a former coin of Portugal
Word origin
ultimately from Latin rēgālisregal1
real in American English1
(ˈriəl; ril)
adjective
1.
existing or happening as or in fact; actual, true, etc.; not merely seeming, pretended, imagined, fictitious, nominal, or ostensible
2.
a.
authentic; genuine
b.
not pretended; sincere
3.
designating wages or income as measured by purchasing power
4. Law
of or relating to permanent, immovable things
real property
5. Ancient Mathematics
designating or of the part of a complex number that is not imaginary: all irrational and rational numbers are real numbers
6. Optics
of or relating to an image made by the actual meeting of light rays at a point
7. Philosophy
existing objectively; actual (not merely possible or ideal), or essential, absolute, ultimate (not relative, derivative, etc.)
noun
8.
anything that actually exists, or reality in general
with the
adverb
9. Informal
very
SIMILAR WORDS: true
Idioms:
for real
Word origin
OFr < ML realis < L res, thing < IE base *rei-, property, thing > Sans rai, wealth, property
real in American English2
(ˈriəl; Spanish ʀɛˈɑl)
nounWord forms: pluralˈreals or Spanish reˈales (ʀɛˈɑlɛs)
a former monetary unit and silver coin of Spain and its possessions
Word origin
Sp & Port, lit., royal < L regalis: see regal
real in American English3
(rɛˈɑl)
noun
1. sing. of
reis
2. Word forms: pluralreˈais
the basic monetary unit of Brazil
Word origin
(sense 2) Port: see real2
More idioms containing
real
the real McCoy
Examples of 'real' in a sentence
real
Now there is a real energy about the club as well.
The Sun (2016)
The way you conducted yourself did cause actual and real distress.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Sprint races take that real tough endurance element out.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is a real danger that the grammar proposals would simply undermine them instead.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Companies from time to time must take a real hard look at their cost structure.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Smart meters show exactly how much electricity and gas households are using in real time.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She is less good at this in real life.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The tragedy is that her worst nonsense devalued the nuggets of real value in her campaigns.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
These are real things that are happening.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Those around the table were too nervous to have their real names or those of their companies in print.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What about fashion for real women leading modern lives?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The real reason for slow adoption is fragmentation.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We need to see some real hard villains on our screens again.
The Sun (2006)
The civil servants certainly know how tough the real world is at the moment.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
These are not the real things though.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There is a real danger of waiting too long.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The real life of a spy is terrible.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We are expecting to hear from it real soon.
The Sun (2009)
What would you see as having real value?
Ingham, Christine Life Without Work (1994)
This man seems to think we are real persons.
Susie Gilbert and Jay Shir A TALE OF FOUR HOUSES: Opera at Covent Garden, La Scala, Vienna and the Met since1945 (2003)
To give them the real thing is unnecessary.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There seems to be a real chance the club could now go into administration.
The Sun (2011)
The use of energy needs to be made real and important.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The church must have something real and vibrant to offer people who come.
Christianity Today (2000)
And none of them uses their real name.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You prefer drama that tells you something about the real world.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
So the risk is now significantly lower in real terms.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The real problem is not that farmers are not paid enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This will be about the real royal family.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It looked like slow motion in real time.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is much harder than with real animals.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Real documents detailing actual cash transfers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She probably won't get a medal here but is a real name for the future.
The Sun (2013)
And one real silver lining - great summer weather is guaranteed.
The Sun (2013)
Anyway, none of those names was real.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
real
British English: real /ˈrɪəl/ ADJECTIVE
factual Something that is real is true and is not imagined.
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.
American English: real
Arabic: وَاقِعِيّ
Brazilian Portuguese: real
Chinese: 真实的
Croatian: stvaran
Czech: skutečný
Danish: virkelig
Dutch: echt
European Spanish: real
Finnish: todellinen
French: vrai réel
German: echt
Greek: πραγματικός
Italian: vero
Japanese: 実在の
Korean: 현실의
Norwegian: virkelig
Polish: prawdziwy
European Portuguese: real
Romanian: real
Russian: настоящий
Latin American Spanish: real que existe
Swedish: äkta
Thai: แท้จริง
Turkish: gerçek durum
Ukrainian: справжній
Vietnamese: có thực
British English: real /ˈrɪəl/ ADJECTIVE
authentic If something is real, it is not a copy.
Is your necklace real gold?
American English: real
Arabic: حَقِيقِيّ
Brazilian Portuguese: verdadeiro
Chinese: 真的
Croatian: pravi
Czech: pravýskutečný
Danish: ægte
Dutch: echt
European Spanish: auténtico
Finnish: aito
French: originalauthentique
German: echt
Greek: πραγματικός
Italian: vero
Japanese: 本物の
Korean: 진짜의
Norwegian: ekte
Polish: prawdziwy
European Portuguese: Verdadeiro
Romanian: autentic
Russian: подлинный
Latin American Spanish: TRUE
Swedish: äkta
Thai: ของแท้
Turkish: gerçek
Ukrainian: справжній
Vietnamese: thật
All related terms of 'real'
reis
a former Portuguese and Brazilian money of account
for real
If you say that someone does something for real , you mean that they actually do it and do not just pretend to do it.
real ale
Real ale is beer which is stored in a barrel and is pumped from it without the use of carbon dioxide.
real life
If something happens in real life , it actually happens and is not just in a story or in someone's imagination .
real live
You use real live to say that someone or something is present or exists, when you want to indicate that you think this is exciting and unusual or unexpected .
real love
Love is a very strong feeling of affection towards someone who you are romantically or sexually attracted to.
real part
the term a in a complex number a + i b , where i = √–1
real time
If something is done in real time , there is no noticeable delay between the action and its effect or consequence.
the real
that which exists in fact ; reality
Ciudad Real
a market town in S central Spain . Pop: 65 703 (2003 est)
real change
If there is a change in something, it becomes different.
real estate
Real estate is property in the form of land and buildings , rather than personal possessions .
real income
the amount of goods and services that money income will buy
real issue
If something is the issue , it is the thing you consider to be the most important part of a situation or discussion .
real money
Money is the coins or bank notes that you use to buy things, or the sum that you have in a bank account.
real number
a number expressible as a limit of rational numbers
real power
If someone has power , they have a lot of control over people and activities.
real rival
Your rival is a person, business, or organization who you are competing or fighting against in the same area or for the same things.
real sense
If you have a sense of guilt or relief , for example, you feel guilty or relieved .
real shame
If you say that something is a shame , you are expressing your regret about it and indicating that you wish it had happened differently.
real story
A story is a description of an event or something that happened to someone, especially a spoken description of it.
real tennis
an ancient form of tennis played in a four-walled indoor court with various openings , a sloping-roofed corridor along three sides, and a buttress on the fourth side
real wages
wages evaluated with reference to their purchasing power rather than to the money actually paid
real world
If you talk about the real world , you are referring to the world and life in general , in contrast to a particular person's own life, experience , and ideas , which may seem untypical and unrealistic .
chattel real
an interest in land less than a freehold , such as a lease
cruzeiro real
a former monetary unit of Brazil , which was replaced by the real
real nappies
reusable cloth nappies
real presence
the doctrine that the body of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist
real problem
A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.
real property
Real property is property in the form of land and buildings, rather than personal possessions .
real question
A question is a problem , matter, or point which needs to be considered.
real strength
Someone's strengths are the qualities and abilities that they have which are an advantage to them, or which make them successful .
real trouble
You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble .
real challenge
A challenge is something new and difficult which requires great effort and determination .
in real terms
You can also talk about the cost or value of something in real terms .
near real-time
denoting or relating to a data-processing system that is slightly slower than real-time
real opportunity
An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do.
the real deal
a person or thing seen as being authentic and not inferior in any way
the real McCoy
If you describe someone or something as the real McCoy , you mean that they really are what they claim to be and are not an imitation .
the real thing
If you say that a thing or event is the real thing , you mean that it is the thing or event itself, rather than an imitation or copy .
the real world
the world as it exists , as opposed to one that is theoretical or imaginary
real-estate agent
a person who sells houses , buildings, and land
real-estate office
the place where a real-estate agent works
real-time computer
a computer that can process data or information almost immediately
real-time system
a data-processing system in which a computer receives constantly changing data , such as information relating to air-traffic control, travel booking systems, etc, and processes it sufficiently rapidly to be able to control the source of the data
the real reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
real-estate developer
a person who buys and develops houses, buildings, and land in order to sell them and make a profit from them
real estate insurance
Real estate insurance is insurance of property , land, and buildings.
real estate liability
Real estate liability is liability for risks that come from owning real estate.
real-estate register
(in the United States) an annual directory that lists available properties and provides contact details for real estate companies
Chinese translation of 'real'
real
(rɪəl)
adj
(= not artificial)[leather, gold]真正的 (zhēnzhèng de)
(= not feigned)[reason, interest, name]真实(實)的 (zhēnshí de)
(= not imaginary)[life, feeling]真实(實)的 (zhēnshí de)
(for emphasis) 真的 (zhēn de)
⇒ It's a real shame.真是遗憾。 (Zhēnshi yíhàn.)
adv
(US, inf, = very) 很 (hěn)
for real当(當)真 (dàngzhēn)
the real thing真家(傢)伙 (zhēn jiāhuo)
in real life现(現)实(實)生活中 (xiànshí shēnghuó zhōng)
in real terms实(實)际(際)上 (shíjì shang)
All related terms of 'real'
for real
当(當)真 dàngzhēn
real estate
不动(動)产(產) bùdòngchǎn
in real life
现(現)实(實)生活中 xiànshí shēnghuó zhōng
in real terms
实(實)际(際)上 shíjì shang
the real thing
真家(傢)伙 zhēn jiāhuo
a real gentleman
一位真正的绅(紳)士 yī wèi zhēnzhèng de shēnshì
he's a real mine of information
他真是一本活字典 tā zhēn shì yī běn huó zìdiǎn
1 (adjective)
Definition
actual
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.
Synonyms
true
actual
genuine
concrete
using concrete objects to teach addition and subtraction
sincere
tangible
There is tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover.
honest
It was an honest mistake on his part.
factual
Any comparison that is not strictly factual runs the risk of being interpreted as subjective.
existent
palpable
palpable benefits
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
unimagined
unfeigned
2 (adjective)
Definition
genuine
the smell of real leather
Synonyms
genuine
They are convinced the painting is genuine.
authentic
patterns for making authentic border-style clothing
bona fide
We are happy to donate to bona fide charitable causes.
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
Opposites
affected
,
false
,
fake
,
faked
,
imaginary
,
imitation
,
counterfeit
,
feigned
,
insincere
3 (adjective)
Definition
rightly so called
his first real job
Synonyms
proper
Two out of five people do not have a proper job.
true
He was found to be the true owner of the suitcase.
valid
For foreign holidays you will need a valid passport.
legitimate
They have demanded the restoration of the legitimate government.
4 (adjective)
Definition
genuine
This was the real reason for her call.
Synonyms
actual
They are using local actors or the actual people involved.
true
I allowed myself to acknowledge my true feelings.
5 (adjective)
Definition
genuine
Their expressions of regret did not smack of real sorrow.
Synonyms
sincere
He accepted her apologies as sincere.
true
God's anger could only be averted by true repentance.
earnest
Despite their earnest efforts, they failed to win support.
genuine
There was genuine joy in the room.
unaffected
this unaffected, charming couple
heartfelt
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the relatives.
wholehearted
He deserves our wholehearted support in this matter.
untainted
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
He was a fair dinkum bloke with no pretensions.
unfeigned
I could tell from his unfeigned astonishment that he knew nothing.
unpretended
6 (adjective)
Definition
important or serious
Global warming is a real problem.
Synonyms
serious
I regard this as a serious matter.
pressing
There is a pressing need for more funds.
worrying
significant
It is the first drug that seems to have a significant effect on this disease.
severe
He had a severe look that disappeared when he smiled.
urgent
There is an urgent need for food and water.
weighty
Surely such weighty matters merit a higher level of debate?
7 (adjective)
You must think I'm a real idiot.
Synonyms
complete
He made me look like a complete idiot.
right
He gave them a right telling off.
total
The car was in a total mess.
I mean I'm not a total idiot.
perfect
She behaved like a perfect fool.
positive (informal)
He was in a positive fury.
absolute
A sick person needs to have absolute trust in a doctor.
utter
A look of utter confusion swept across his handsome face.
thorough
I was a thorough little academic snob.
veritable
a veritable feast of entertainment
out-and-out
You're an out-and-out liar.
(adverb)
(US, informal)
He's been trying real hard.
Synonyms
extremely
The taste of bitterness is an extremely common feature of herbal remedies.
very
I am very grateful to you for all your help.
really
It was really good.
particularly
The pollen count has been particularly high.
seriously (informal)
one of the first seriously wealthy rock-star landowners
terribly
I'm terribly sorry to bother you at this hour.
remarkably
unusually
this year's unusually harsh winter
jolly (British)
awfully (informal)
That caramel looks awfully good.
uncommonly
Mary was uncommonly good at tennis.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of absolute
Definition
total and complete
A sick person needs to have absolute trust in a doctor.
Synonyms
complete,
total,
perfect,
entire,
pure,
sheer,
utter,
outright,
thorough,
downright,
consummate,
unqualified,
full-on (informal),
out-and-out,
unadulterated,
unmitigated,
dyed-in-the-wool,
thoroughgoing,
unalloyed,
unmixed,
arrant (derogatory),
deep-dyed
in the sense of authentic
Definition
of undisputed origin or authorship
patterns for making authentic border-style clothing
Synonyms
real,
true,
original,
actual,
pure,
genuine,
valid,
faithful,
undisputed,
veritable,
lawful,
on the level (informal),
bona fide,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
pukka,
the real McCoy,
true-to-life,
live
in the sense of awfully
Definition
very
That caramel looks awfully good.
Synonyms
very,
extremely,
terribly,
exceptionally,
quite,
very much,
seriously (informal),
greatly,
immensely,
exceedingly,
excessively,
dreadfully
Synonyms of 'real'
real
Explore 'real' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bona fide
Definition
undertaken in good faith
We are happy to donate to bona fide charitable causes.
Synonyms
genuine,
real,
true,
legal,
actual,
legitimate,
authentic,
honest,
veritable,
lawful,
on the level (informal),
kosher (informal),
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
the real McCoy
in the sense of concrete
Definition
relating to things that can be perceived by the senses, as opposed to abstractions
using concrete objects to teach addition and subtraction
Synonyms
real,
material,
actual,
substantial (formal),
sensible,
tangible,
factual
in the sense of dinkum
Definition
genuine or right
He was a fair dinkum bloke with no pretensions.
Synonyms
genuine,
honest,
natural,
frank,
sincere,
candid,
upfront (informal),
artless,
guileless
in the sense of earnest
Definition
serious and sincere, often excessively so
Despite their earnest efforts, they failed to win support.
Synonyms
determined,
firm,
dogged,
constant,
urgent,
intent,
persistent,
ardent,
persevering,
resolute,
heartfelt,
zealous,
vehement,
wholehearted
in the sense of factual
Definition
concerning facts rather than opinions or theories
Any comparison that is not strictly factual runs the risk of being interpreted as subjective.
Synonyms
true,
objective,
authentic,
unbiased,
close,
real,
sure,
correct,
genuine,
accurate,
exact,
precise,
faithful,
credible,
matter-of-fact,
literal,
veritable,
circumstantial,
unadorned,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
true-to-life
in the sense of heartfelt
Definition
sincerely and strongly felt
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the relatives.
Synonyms
sincere,
deep,
earnest,
warm,
genuine,
profound,
honest,
ardent,
devout,
hearty,
fervent,
cordial,
wholehearted,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
unfeigned
in the sense of honest
Definition
gained or earned fairly
It was an honest mistake on his part.
Synonyms
genuine,
real,
true,
straight,
fair,
proper,
authentic,
equitable,
impartial,
on the level (informal),
bona fide,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
above board,
fair and square,
on the up and up,
honest to goodness
in the sense of legitimate
Definition
authorized by or in accordance with law
They have demanded the restoration of the legitimate government.
Synonyms
lawful,
real,
true,
legal,
acknowledged,
sanctioned,
genuine,
proper,
authentic,
statutory,
authorized,
rightful,
kosher (informal),
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
legit (slang),
licit
in the sense of out-and-out
Definition
absolute
You're an out-and-out liar.
Synonyms
absolute,
complete,
total,
perfect,
sheer,
utter,
outright,
thorough,
downright,
consummate,
unqualified,
unmitigated,
dyed-in-the-wool,
thoroughgoing,
unalloyed,
arrant,
deep-dyed
in the sense of palpable
Definition
(of a feeling or an atmosphere) so intense that it seems capable of being touched
palpable benefits
Synonyms
tangible,
real,
material,
solid,
substantial (formal),
concrete,
touchable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of particularly
The pollen count has been particularly high.
Synonyms
especially,
surprisingly,
notably,
unusually,
exceptionally,
decidedly,
markedly,
peculiarly,
singularly,
outstandingly,
uncommonly
in the sense of perfect
Definition
utter or absolute
She behaved like a perfect fool.
Synonyms
complete,
absolute,
sheer,
utter,
consummate,
out-and-out,
unadulterated,
unmitigated,
unalloyed
in the sense of positive
Definition
complete
He was in a positive fury.
Synonyms
absolute,
complete,
perfect,
right (British, informal),
real,
total,
rank,
sheer,
utter,
thorough,
downright,
consummate,
veritable,
unqualified,
out-and-out,
unmitigated,
thoroughgoing,
unalloyed
in the sense of pressing
Definition
demanding immediate attention
There is a pressing need for more funds.
Synonyms
urgent,
serious,
burning,
vital,
crucial (informal),
imperative,
important,
constraining,
high-priority,
now or never,
importunate (formal),
exigent
in the sense of really
Definition
truly
It was really good.
Synonyms
very,
particularly,
seriously (informal),
truly,
extremely,
terribly,
remarkably,
unusually,
jolly (British),
awfully (informal),
exceedingly,
excessively,
eminently,
superlatively,
uncommonly
in the sense of right
He gave them a right telling off.
Synonyms
complete,
real,
pure,
absolute,
utter,
outright,
thorough,
out-and-out,
thoroughgoing
in the sense of seriously
one of the first seriously wealthy rock-star landowners
Synonyms
very,
really,
extremely,
particularly,
truly,
remarkably,
unusually,
decidedly,
exceedingly,
excessively,
eminently,
uncommonly
in the sense of severe
Definition
serious in appearance or manner
He had a severe look that disappeared when he smiled.
Synonyms
grim,
serious,
grave,
cold,
forbidding,
stern,
sober,
disapproving,
dour,
unsmiling,
flinty,
strait-laced,
tight-lipped
in the sense of significant
Definition
very important
It is the first drug that seems to have a significant effect on this disease.
Synonyms
important,
marked,
notable,
striking,
serious,
material,
vital,
critical,
considerable,
impressive,
pronounced,
conspicuous,
momentous,
weighty,
noteworthy
in the sense of tangible
Definition
real or substantial
There is tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover.
Synonyms
definite,
real,
positive,
solid,
material,
physical,
actual,
substantial (formal),
objective,
concrete,
evident,
manifest,
palpable,
discernible,
tactile,
perceptible,
corporeal,
touchable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of terribly
I'm terribly sorry to bother you at this hour.
Synonyms
extremely,
very,
much,
greatly,
dreadfully,
seriously (informal),
desperately,
thoroughly,
decidedly,
awfully (informal),
exceedingly
in the sense of thorough
Definition
great in extent or degree
I was a thorough little academic snob.
Synonyms
complete,
total,
absolute,
utter,
perfect,
entire,
pure,
sheer,
outright,
downright (derogatory),
unqualified,
out-and-out,
unmitigated,
arrant (derogatory),
deep-dyed (derogatory)
in the sense of total
Definition
complete
The car was in a total mess.I mean I'm not a total idiot.
Synonyms
complete,
absolute,
utter,
whole,
perfect,
entire,
sheer,
outright,
all-out,
thorough,
unconditional,
downright (derogatory),
undisputed,
consummate,
unqualified,
out-and-out,
undivided,
overarching,
unmitigated,
thoroughgoing,
arrant (derogatory),
deep-dyed (derogatory)
in the sense of unaffected
Definition
unpretentious, natural, or sincere
this unaffected, charming couple
Synonyms
natural,
genuine,
unpretentious,
simple,
plain,
straightforward,
naive,
sincere,
honest,
unassuming,
unspoilt,
unsophisticated,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
artless,
ingenuous,
without airs,
unstudied
in the sense of uncommonly
Definition
extremely
Mary was uncommonly good at tennis.
Synonyms
exceptionally,
very,
extremely,
remarkably,
particularly,
strangely,
seriously (informal),
unusually,
peculiarly,
to the nth degree
in the sense of unfeigned
I could tell from his unfeigned astonishment that he knew nothing.
Synonyms
genuine,
sincere,
real,
natural,
pure,
unaffected,
heartfelt,
unforced,
wholehearted,
dinkum (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of unusually
this year's unusually harsh winter
Synonyms
exceptionally,
especially,
remarkably,
extraordinarily,
abnormally,
uncommonly
in the sense of urgent
Definition
requiring speedy action or attention
There is an urgent need for food and water.
Synonyms
crucial (informal),
desperate,
pressing,
great,
important,
crying,
critical,
immediate,
acute,
grave,
instant,
compelling,
imperative,
top-priority,
now or never,
exigent,
not to be delayed
in the sense of utter
Definition
total or absolute
A look of utter confusion swept across his handsome face.
Synonyms
absolute,
complete,
total,
perfect,
positive (informal),
pure,
sheer,
stark (derogatory),
outright,
all-out,
thorough,
downright (derogatory),
real,
consummate,
veritable,
unqualified,
out-and-out,
unadulterated,
unmitigated,
thoroughgoing,
arrant (derogatory),
deep-dyed (derogatory)
in the sense of valid
Definition
legally acceptable
For foreign holidays you will need a valid passport.
Synonyms
legal,
official,
legitimate,
correct,
genuine,
proper,
in effect,
authentic,
in force,
lawful,
bona fide,
legally binding,
signed and sealed
Additional synonyms
in the sense of veritable
Definition
rightly called
a veritable feast of entertainment
Synonyms
positive,
real,
absolute,
sheer,
indisputable,
categorical,
incontrovertible
in the sense of very
Definition
used to add emphasis to adjectives and adverbs that are able to be graded
I am very grateful to you for all your help.
Synonyms
extremely,
highly,
greatly,
really,
deeply,
particularly,
seriously (informal),
truly,
absolutely,
terribly,
remarkably,
unusually,
jolly (British),
wonderfully,
profoundly,
decidedly,
awfully (informal),
acutely,
exceedingly,
excessively,
noticeably,
eminently,
superlatively,
uncommonly,
surpassingly,
v
in the sense of weighty
Definition
important or serious
Surely such weighty matters merit a higher level of debate?
Synonyms
important,
serious,
significant,
critical,
crucial,
considerable,
substantial,
grave,
solemn,
momentous,
forcible,
consequential,
portentous
in the sense of wholehearted
Definition
done or given with total sincerity or enthusiasm
He deserves our wholehearted support in this matter.