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Webster 1913 Edition


Reality

Re-al′i-ty

(rē̍-ăl′ĭ-ty̆)
,
Noun.
;
pl.
Realities
(-tĭz)
.
[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.

Webster 1828 Edition


Reality

REAL'ITY

, n.
1.
Actual being or existence of any thing; truth; fact; in distinction from mere appearance.
A man may fancy he understands a critic, when in reality he does not comprehend his meaning.
2.
Something intrinsically important, not merely matter of show.
And to realities yield all her shows.
3.
In the schools, that may exist of itself, or which has a full and absolute being of itself, and is not considered as a part of any thing else.
4.
In law, immobility, or the fixed, permanent nature of property; as chattels which savor of the reality. [This word is so written in law, for reality.]