What is the difference between reality and fact?

A fact is one true piece of information. Reality is the full real situation.

Is reality a formal word?

It is common in both spoken and written English, including academic writing.

How do I use reality in a sentence?

Use it for the actual situation: "In reality, the plan was too expensive."

What does reality check mean?

It means a reminder of the real situation, especially after hope or excitement.

← Dictionary

reality

/riˈæl.ɪ.ti/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Reality is the world as it really is, not as imagined, hoped for, or expected. It can also mean a true fact or situation.

We need to face reality.
The reality was harder than we expected.
His story did not match reality.

Adinary Nuance

Reality is broader than truth, fact, or situation. Use reality when you mean the actual state of things, especially when it may be disappointing or different from dreams. Fact is a single true piece of information, while reality is the whole real situation.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thực tế
Spanish: realidad
Chinese: 现实
Japanese: 現実
Korean: 현실

Etymology

Reality comes from Late Latin realitas, from Latin res meaning "thing." It entered English in the late Middle Ages.

Common phrases

face realitythe reality ofin realityreality check

Synonyms

actuality truth fact real world

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between reality and fact?: A fact is one true piece of information. Reality is the full real situation.
Is reality a formal word?: It is common in both spoken and written English, including academic writing.
How do I use reality in a sentence?: Use it for the actual situation: "In reality, the plan was too expensive."
What does reality check mean?: It means a reminder of the real situation, especially after hope or excitement.