Re*al"i*ty (rē*ăl"ĭ*t?),
n.; 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.