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Unreality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unreality

[สŒnrษชหˆรฆlษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in philosophy

The quality or state of being unreal; lack of reality.

Synonyms

falseness, illusion, unrealness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unreality

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

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

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • The concept of unreality is often discussed in the field of metaphysics.
  • She felt a sense of unreality as if she were living in a dream.
  • The unreality of the situation made it difficult for her to comprehend.
  • His mind was clouded by the unreality of his surroundings.
  • The unreality of the situation left her feeling bewildered.
Context #2 | Noun

in psychology

A mental state in which things seem unreal or fantastic.

Synonyms

delusion, fantasy, hallucination.

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Word Description / Examples
unreality

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
fantasy

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
delusion

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
hallucination

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

Examples of usage

  • She experienced feelings of unreality during the panic attack.
  • The unreality of the situation triggered her anxiety.
  • His mind was plagued by a sense of unreality.
  • The therapist helped her cope with the feelings of unreality.
  • Unreality is a common symptom of dissociative disorders.
Context #3 | Noun

in literature

The quality of being imaginary or fictional.

Synonyms

fictionality, imaginary quality, make-believe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unreality

Used when describing something that doesnโ€™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
fictionality

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
imaginary quality

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
make-believe

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

Examples of usage

  • The author skillfully portrayed a sense of unreality in her novel.
  • The unreality of the setting added to the magical atmosphere of the story.
  • His writing often blurs the line between reality and unreality.
  • The theme of unreality is prevalent throughout the novel.
  • The characters grappled with the concept of unreality in the story.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, discussions about unreality often revolve around definitions of existence and consciousness, questioning what is truly real.
  • The concept challenges perceptions, leading to debates about dreams, illusions, and the nature of reality itself.
  • Philosophers like Renรฉ Descartes explored unreality when asserting 'I think, therefore I am', suggesting doubt can blur lines between reality and unreality.

Literature

  • Many writers, including Franz Kafka and Virginia Woolf, use elements of unreality in their works to explore complex human emotions and societal issues.
  • Fantasy and magical realism genres often thrive on the juxtaposition of reality and unreality, inviting readers to experience the extraordinary in ordinary settings.
  • Unreality also plays a major role in dystopian literature, where imagined societies reflect exaggerated truths about the real world.

Psychology

  • Unreality can be a symptom of psychological conditions such as depersonalization or derealization, where individuals feel detached from their thoughts or surroundings.
  • The study of dreams often examines how unreality reflects hidden fears, desires, and unresolved conflicts within the mind.
  • Creative therapies sometimes utilize concepts of unreality, allowing individuals to express emotions and narratives in fantastical or dreamlike ways.

Art

  • Surrealism in art prominently features themes of unreality, with artists like Salvador Dalรญ creating dreamlike scenes that defy logic.
  • The use of distorted perspectives in visual arts often evokes feelings of unreality, challenging the viewers to question their perception.
  • In contemporary art, installations that manipulate environments create experiences of unreality, blurring boundaries between real and imagined spaces.

Origin of 'unreality'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unreality' combines 'un-', meaning not, with 'reality', which comes from the Latin word 'realitas', meaning realness or actuality.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, reflecting philosophical thoughts about what is perceived as real.
  • The prefix 'un-' is used in many English words to denote negation, showing how 'unreality' conveys the opposite of reality.

The word 'unreality' originated in the late 19th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with the word 'reality.' It has been used to describe the state of being unreal or lacking in reality, particularly in philosophical, psychological, and literary contexts. The concept of unreality has been explored in various fields, highlighting the subjective nature of perception and the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined. Through its usage, 'unreality' continues to evoke discussions on the nature of existence and the complexities of human consciousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,195, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.