For real

phrase

Truly, in reality, not pretending or joking.

Are you for real going to quit your job?
Visual representation of "for real" - Truly, in reality, not pretending or joking.

Often appears as...

  • are you for real?
  • for real?

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Used to express surprise or disbelief.

She just broke the world record. For real!
Visual representation of "for real" - Used to express surprise or disbelief.

Often appears as...

  • are you for real?
  • for real?

Usage tips

Informal, Surprising

Colloquial

phrase

Indicates hardness and genuineness of someone's character.

He's been through a lot, but he's for real.
Visual representation of "for real" - Indicates hardness and genuineness of someone's character.

Often appears as...

  • he's for real
  • she's for real

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

In the domain of movies, indicates an action or effect is actually as it appears, not simulated or CGI.

That explosion was for real, not digital effects.
Visual representation of "for real" - In the domain of movies, indicates an action or effect is actually as it appears, not simulated or CGI.

Often appears as...

  • for real effects
  • for real stunts
phrase

Truly, in reality, not pretending or joking.

Are you for real going to quit your job?
Visual representation of "for real" - Truly, in reality, not pretending or joking.

Often appears as...

  • are you for real?
  • for real?

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Used to express surprise or disbelief.

She just broke the world record. For real!
Visual representation of "for real" - Used to express surprise or disbelief.

Often appears as...

  • are you for real?
  • for real?

Usage tips

Informal, Surprising

Colloquial

phrase

Indicates hardness and genuineness of someone's character.

He's been through a lot, but he's for real.
Visual representation of "for real" - Indicates hardness and genuineness of someone's character.

Often appears as...

  • he's for real
  • she's for real

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

In the domain of movies, indicates an action or effect is actually as it appears, not simulated or CGI.

That explosion was for real, not digital effects.
Visual representation of "for real" - In the domain of movies, indicates an action or effect is actually as it appears, not simulated or CGI.

Often appears as...

  • for real effects
  • for real stunts
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "for real"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Sincerity Check

Question the truth of a statement or the sincerity of an action.

Illustration for Sincerity Check
You're moving to Japan for real?
LampPro Tip 2/2

No Pretense

Ensures that a statement or plan is made with genuine intent.

Illustration for No Pretense
I'm quitting for real this time.
Visual representation of the word "For real"

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