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Surreal: meaning, definitions and examples

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surreal

 

[səˈriːəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

art

characterized by the elements of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions, and non sequitur; surreal art often challenges the viewer's perception of reality

Synonyms

dreamlike, fantastic, unreal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surreal

Typically describes something that is bizarre or fantastical, often provoking a sense of wonder or confusion. It's often used in artistic or cinematic contexts.

  • The movie's ending was so surreal that it left the audience puzzled and intrigued
dreamlike

Used to describe something that feels soft, hazy, or ethereal, similar to the experience of being in a dream. Suitable for describing experiences that are pleasant, elusive, or ephemeral.

  • Walking through the mist-covered forest felt so dreamlike; I could almost imagine fairies dancing among the trees
fantastic

Commonly used to describe something extraordinary or wonderful, often with a sense of excitement. Can be used in both positive and imaginative contexts.

  • The fireworks display on New Year's Eve was just fantastic; I've never seen anything like it
unreal

Often used to describe something astonishing or incredible, typically in a positive way, though it can sometimes imply disbelief or skepticism.

  • The view from the mountain top was so stunningly beautiful, it felt unreal

Examples of usage

  • The surreal paintings of Salvador Dali are famous for their dreamlike imagery.
  • Her artwork has a surreal quality that transports the viewer to another world.
Context #2 | Adjective

experience

having the quality of a dream; bizarre or unreal

Synonyms

fantastical, otherworldly, unbelievable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surreal

Used to describe something that feels dreamlike or very strange, often because it combines elements that don't usually go together.

  • The painting had a surreal quality with its mix of realistic landscapes and fantastical creatures
  • Walking through the deserted city streets at dawn felt surreal
otherworldly

Used to describe something that seems to come from another world, often giving a sense of wonder or mystery.

  • The singer's voice had an otherworldly quality that captivated the audience
  • The landscape was so beautiful it seemed almost otherworldly
unbelievable

Used to describe something that is so extraordinary it is hard to believe it is true, often implying skepticism.

  • The magician's tricks were so impressive, they seemed unbelievable
  • His excuse for being late was unbelievable – a talking parrot stole his keys!
fantastical

Used for things that are imaginative and not based in reality, often related to fantasy or fairy tales.

  • The movie takes you to fantastical worlds full of dragons and wizards
  • Her stories always include fantastical elements, like magical forests and talking animals

Examples of usage

  • It was a surreal experience walking through the deserted city streets at night.
  • The whole situation felt surreal, like something out of a movie.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'sur-' meaning 'beyond' in French, and 'real,' suggesting something that goes beyond reality.
  • It was popularized in the early 20th century by the Surrealist movement in art and literature, which aimed to express the unconscious mind.

Art & Literature

  • Surrealism in art often features unusual juxtapositions, like a melting clock draped over a tree, challenging the viewer's perceptions.
  • Famous artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte created iconic works that embody surreal elements, such as dreamlike landscapes and bizarre imagery.

Psychology

  • Surreal experiences can occur during vivid dreams or hallucinations, blurring the line between reality and imagination.
  • The concept of the unconscious has been explored in psychology, suggesting that surreal imagery can reveal deeper thoughts and feelings.

Pop Culture

  • Surreal themes are prevalent in films like 'Inception' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' which play with dream logic and alternate realities.
  • Music videos, especially in genres like psychedelic rock, often incorporate surreal visuals to enhance the emotional experience of the song.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of reality, with some suggesting that what we perceive can often be more bizarre than we realize.
  • The idea that life can sometimes feel 'surreal' reflects a deeper inquiry into human existence and our understanding of what is real.

Translations

Translations of the word "surreal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 surreal

🇮🇳 अलौकिक

🇩🇪 surreal

🇮🇩 surealis

🇺🇦 сюрреалістичний

🇵🇱 surrealistyczny

🇯🇵 シュールレアリスティック

🇫🇷 surréaliste

🇪🇸 surrealista

🇹🇷 sürreal

🇰🇷 초현실적인

🇸🇦 سريالي

🇨🇿 surrealistický

🇸🇰 surrealistický

🇨🇳 超现实的

🇸🇮 surrealističen

🇮🇸 súrrealískur

🇰🇿 сюрреалистік

🇬🇪 სიურრეალისტური

🇦🇿 surreal

🇲🇽 surrealista

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,703, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.