real
adjective
rɪəl ˈriːəl 
ˈriːəl existing/not imagined
1 actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretendedIt wasn't a ghost; it was a real person.pictures of animals, both real and mythologicalIn the movies guns kill people instantly, but it's not like that in real life.Politicians seem to be out of touch with the real world.The growth of violent crime is a very real problem.There's no real possibility of them changing their minds.We have a real chance of success.true/genuine
2 genuine and not false or artificialAre those real flowers?real leather3 [only before noun] actual or true, rather than what appears to be trueTell me the real reason.Bono's real name is Paul Hewson.See the real Africa on one of our walking safaris.I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet a real live celebrity.I do my best to hide my real feelings from others.4 [only before noun] having all the important qualities that it should have to deserve to be called what it is calledShe never had any real friends at school.his first real kissI had no real interest in politics.He was making a real effort to be nice to her.She has not shown any real regret for what she did.for emphasis
5 [only before noun] used to emphasize a state or qualityHe looks a real idiot.This accident could have produced a real tragedy.Her next play was a real contrast.This is a real privilege.money/income
6 [only before noun] when the effect of such things as price rises on the power of money to buy things is included in the sumsReal wage costs have risen by 10% in the past year.This represents a reduction of 5% in real terms.Idioms
for real
genuine or serious
This is not a fire drill—it's for real. (North American English) He managed to convince voters that he was for real.I don't think her tears were for real.