reality

Syllabification: (re·al·i·ty)

Definition of reality

1the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them:he refuses to face reality Laura was losing touch with reality
a thing that is actually experienced or seen, especially when this is grim or problematic:the harsh realities of life in a farming community the law ignores the reality of the situation
a thing that exists in fact, having previously only existed in one’s mind:the paperless office may yet become a reality
the quality of being lifelike or resembling an original:the reality of Marryat’s detail
[as modifier] relating to reality TV:a reality show

2the state or quality of having existence or substance:youth, when death has no reality
Philosophy existence that is absolute, self-sufficient, or objective, and not subject to human decisions or conventions.

Phrases

in reality: in actual fact (used to contrast a false idea of what is true or possible with one that is more accurate):she had believed she could control these feelings, but in reality that was not so easy
the reality is ——: used to assert that the truth of a matter is not what one would think or expect:the popular view of the Dobermann is of an aggressive guard dog—the reality is very different

late 15th century: via French from medieval Latin realitas, from late Latin realis 'relating to things' (see real¹)

Definition of reality in the British & World English dictionary