irreal

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪˈrɪəl/

KK: /ɪˈrɪəl/

adjective

Definition

Something that is not real or does not exist in reality.

Example

The dream felt so vivid, yet it was completely irreal.

Conversation

Have you seen that new movie?

Yeah, it was so irreal, I couldn't believe the visuals!

Right? It felt like a dream rather than reality.

Exactly, I love films that take you to such irreal worlds.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unreal

imaginary

fantastic

Antonyms

real

genuine

authentic

Root Explanation

Irreal is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "real" (from Latin "realis", meaning actual or true). The word "irreal" means not real or lacking reality.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') and 'actual' ('real') to remember that 'irreal' refers to something that is not real.

Visually Confused Words