Actuality

/ækˈtʃuːæləti/ noun

Definition

The state of being real or actual; the facts of a situation as they really exist.

Etymology

From Old French 'actualité' and Latin 'actualis' meaning practical or real; the suffix '-ity' turns the adjective into an abstract noun meaning the quality of being real.

Kelly Says

Philosophers love the word 'actuality' because it lets them argue about what's real versus what's merely possible—it's the verbal equivalent of the red pill vs. blue pill from 'The Matrix.'

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