Unreality: meaning, definitions and examples

Unreality refers to the state of not being real or an imagined situation that is not based in fact. It can be used in philosophical or existential contexts to discuss the nature of reality and existence.

• The novel's plot blurs the line between reality and unreality, creating a dreamlike experience for the reader.
• He struggled with the unreality of the situation after waking from the vivid dream.

Unrealness describes the quality of being unreal or not existing in fact. It can be used to express a sense of something feeling imaginary or fantastical, often associated with surreal experiences.

• The unrealness of the landscape made it feel as though they had stepped into a painting.
• There was a sense of unrealness about the whole situation, like a scene from a movie.

Falseness is often used to describe something that is untrue or deceptive. It has a negative connotation and can refer to actions, statements, or appearances that are intended to mislead or deceive.

• The falseness of his statement became evident when the truth was revealed.
• She could sense the falseness in their flattery and knew it was insincere.

Illusion refers to a deceptive appearance or impression, often something that tricks the senses. It can be used in both visual contexts, such as magic tricks, and metaphorical contexts, like perceptions of life or happiness.

• The magician's trick was just an illusion that amazed the audience.
• Her optimism was merely an illusion, masking her true feelings of despair.

Used to describe a situation or sensation that feels disconnected from the real world.

• The film's surreal atmosphere created a sense of unreality
• After the accident, she felt a strange sense of unreality as she tried to process what had happened

Refers to an imaginative scenario or story that is not grounded in reality, often involving fantastical elements or dreams.

• The book was filled with epic fantasy adventures in a magical world
• She often indulged in fantasies about winning the lottery and traveling the world

Typically refers to a false belief or impression, especially one that people cling to despite evidence to the contrary. Often used in a negative context.

• He was under the delusion that he could quit his job and still support his family
• Her delusion about the situation led her to make poor decisions

Describes a sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind, such as seeing or hearing something that isn't there. Often associated with mental illness or drug effects.

• After three days without sleep, he began experiencing vivid hallucinations
• She thought she saw a ghost, but it was just a hallucination brought on by stress

Used when describing something that doesn’t exist in the real world, often causing confusion or a surreal feeling.

• The film's scene has an eerie sense of unreality that leaves the audience mesmerized

Used to refer to the characteristic of being fictional, mostly in literary or artistic contexts.

• The author blurs the line between fictionality and reality in her latest novel

Used when focusing on the vividness or creativity of something that exists only in the imagination.

• The story had such an engaging imaginary quality that kids couldn't stop reading

Used for children's play or to describe something that is intentionally pretended to be true for the sake of imagination or enjoyment.

• The kids spent the afternoon in a make-believe world, pretending to be pirates looking for treasure