VocabDictionary

real live

/ˌriːəl ˈlɪv/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Actual, genuine, and living; used emphatically to stress that something or someone is not imaginary, artificial, or recorded.

Example Sentences:
  • I couldn't believe it when a real live astronaut walked into our classroom.
  • The museum exhibit features a real live dinosaur skeleton—wait, no, just a robot, but it felt like the real live thing!
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “real live” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “real live”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

An emphatic compound adjective combining 'real' (existing in fact, genuine) and 'live' (alive, actual, occurring in real time). The phrase gained prominence in informal English during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often used for dramatic effect or exaggeration to emphasize the authentic, tangible presence of someone or something rather than a representation, recording, or imagination.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of meeting your favorite celebrity in person: they aren't just on a screen, they are a 'real live' person standing right in front of you.

Frequently Asked Questions About “real live

1. What is the meaning of “real live” in English?

In English, real live (adjective) is defined as: “Actual, genuine, and living; used emphatically to stress that something or someone is not imaginary, artificial, or recorded.”.

2. How do you use “real live” in a sentence?

I couldn't believe it when a real live astronaut walked into our classroom.

3. What are English synonyms of “real live”?

Common synonyms include:actual,genuine,living,authentic

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “real live”?

An emphatic compound adjective combining 'real' (existing in fact, genuine) and 'live' (alive, actual, occurring in real time). The phrase gained prominence in informal English during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often used for dramatic effect or exaggeration to emphasize the authentic, tangible presence of someone or something rather than a representation, recording, or imagination.