reality-based
|re-al-i-ty-based|
/rɪˈælɪti-beɪst/
grounded in facts
Etymology
'reality-based' is a compound of 'reality' and 'based'. 'reality' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'realitas' (from Latin 'realis'), where the root related to 'res' meant 'thing'; 'based' comes from Old French 'base' via Late Latin 'basis', where 'basis' meant 'foundation'.
'reality' developed from Medieval Latin 'realitas' into Middle English forms and the modern English 'reality'; 'base' came from Greek 'basis' to Latin 'basis', then Old French 'base' and English 'base', with the past-participle form 'based' later used to form compounds such as 'reality-based' in modern English (chiefly 20th century onward).
Individually, 'reality' originally conveyed 'thingness' and 'base' meant 'foundation'; together as the compound 'reality-based' the meaning evolved to 'having a foundation in actual facts or observable reality' and is used to describe approaches, judgments, or attitudes grounded in evidence.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
grounded in actual facts, experience, or observable phenomena; not fanciful or purely theoretical.
The committee adopted a reality-based plan for reducing costs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
(Often in social or political contexts) describing an approach or person that forms opinions and decisions primarily from observable evidence rather than ideology or wishful thinking.
She was known as a reality-based policymaker who relied on data rather than rhetoric.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 00:35