Definition

In a way that does not reflect reality or is not practical.

Example

The movie portrayed the events unrealistically, making them seem more dramatic than they really were.

Conversation

I think some movies portray relationships unrealistically.

Totally! They make love look so easy and perfect.

Exactly, real life is much messier than that.

Right? It’s important to show the ups and downs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unrealistically → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "real" (from Latin "realis", meaning actual or true), and "-istically" (from Greek "-istikos", meaning pertaining to). The word describes something that is not true or actual in a manner that pertains to unrealistic expectations or ideas.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'true' ('real') and the suffix that means 'pertaining to' ('-istically'). This helps you remember that 'unrealistically' refers to ideas or expectations that are not true or actual.

Visually Confused Words