Re*al"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Realities (#). [Cf. F. r'ealit'e, 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 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 1913.