The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Reality \Re*al"i*ty\ (r[-e]*[a^]l"[i^]*t[y^]), n.; pl.
Realities (-t[i^]z). [Cf. F. r['e]alit['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.
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A man fancies that he understands a critic, when in
reality he does not comprehend his meaning.
--Addison.
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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.
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And to realities yield all her shows. --Milton.
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My neck may be an idea to you, but it is a reality
to me. --Beattie.
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3. [See 1st Realty, 2.] Loyalty; devotion. [Obs.]
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To express our reality to the emperor. --Fuller.
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4. (Law) See 2d Realty, 2.
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