actuality
/aktʃʊˈalɪti
/noun (plural actualities) [mass noun]
1The state of existing in reality: the building looked as impressive in actuality as it did in magazines...
- In actuality, living where you need a car to do everything runs counter to Ireland's spatial strategy.
- Well, in actuality it's not a question you can give a plain yes or no because it is condition based.
- In actuality, the problem is not the weapons themselves but the people who misuse them.
Synonyms
reality, fact, truth, the real world, real life, existence, living
really, in fact, in actual fact, in point of fact, as a matter of fact, in reality, actually, in truth, if truth be told, to tell the truth
dated indeed, truly
archaic in sooth, verily
rare in the concrete
1.1 (actualities) Existing conditions or facts: the grim actualities of prison life...
- It would have been appreciated if their interest in my team had resulted in a communication relating to facts and actualities and not tabloid-type drivel.
- And how can we tell the difference between marketing hype and the complex actualities of production and consumption?
- They have tended to advocate a certain view of Russia's prospects and of the East-West relationship that may not be warranted by the actualities of the situation.
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'activity'): from Old French actualite or medieval Latin actualitas, from actualis 'active, practical', from actus (see act).