when we wish to prove a thing real, we often say, "It actually exists," "It has actually been done." Thus
its reality is shown by its actuality. Actual, from this reference to being acted, has recently received a
new signification, namely, present; as, the actual posture of affairs; since what is now in action, or going
on, has, of course, a present existence. An actual fact; a real sentiment.
For he that but conceives a crime in thought,
Contracts the danger of an actual fault.
Dryden.
Our simple ideas are all real; all agree to the reality of things.
Locke.
Real
(Re"al) n. A realist. [Obs.] Burton.
Realgar
(Re*al"gar) n. [F. réalgar, Sp. rejalgar, Ar. rahj al ghar powder of the mine.] (Min.) Arsenic
sulphide, a mineral of a brilliant red color; red orpiment. It is also an artificial product.
Realism
(Re"al*ism) n. [Cf. F. réalisme.]
1. (Philos.) (a) As opposed to nominalism, the doctrine that genera and species are real things or
entities, existing independently of our conceptions. According to realism the Universal exists ante rem
or in re (b) As opposed to idealism, the doctrine that in sense perception there is an immediate cognition
of the external object, and our knowledge of it is not mediate and representative.
2. (Art & Lit.) Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without idealization, and making no appeal
to the imagination; adherence to the actual fact.
Realist
(Re"al*ist), n. [Cf. F. réaliste.]
1. (Philos.) One who believes in realism; esp., one who maintains that generals, or the terms used
to denote the genera and species of things, represent real existences, and are not mere names, as
maintained by the nominalists.
2. (Art. & Lit.) An artist or writer who aims at realism in his work. See Realism, 2.
Realistic
(Re`al*is"tic) a. Of or pertaining to the realists; in the manner of the realists; characterized by
realism rather than by imagination.
Realistically
(Re`al*is"tic*al*ly), adv. In a realistic manner.
Reality
(Re*al"i*ty) n.; pl. Realities (- tiz). [Cf. F. réalité, LL. realitas. See 3d Real, and cf. 2d Realty.]
1. The state or quality of being real; actual being or existence of anything, in distinction from mere appearance; fact.
A man fancies that he understands a critic, when in reality he does not comprehend his meaning.
Addison. 2. That which is real; an actual existence; that which is not imagination, fiction, or pretense; that which
has objective existence, and is not merely an idea.
And to realities yield all her shows.
Milton.
My neck may be an idea to you, but it is a reality to me.
Beattie. 3. [See 1st Realty, 2.] Loyalty; devotion. [Obs.]
To express our reality to the emperor.
Fuller. 4. (Law) See 2d Realty, 2.
