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Sextus Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
The word "unreality"
I've noticed that some native speakers are uncomfortable with the use of the term "unreality". I don't know if the reason is that they think that this word doesn't exist in English. In any case, they find it "odd". Perhaps the reason is that the term is used particularly in a philosophic context, as a synonym of "non-existence".
Sextus.
Sextus.
Top answer
Hi, The adjectival form 'unreal' is widely used, mainly in a slangy hyperbolic sense, eg: My marks on the exam were unreal! The movie last night was unreal! Best wishes, Clive
- Hi, The adjectival form 'unreal' is widely used, mainly in a slangy hyperbolic sense, eg: My marks on the exam were unreal!
- The movie last night was unreal!
- Best wishes, Clive
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19 Answers
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Hi,
The adjectival form 'unreal' is widely used, mainly in a slangy hyperbolic sense, eg:
My marks on the exam were unreal!
The movie last night was unreal!
Best wishes, Clive
The adjectival form 'unreal' is widely used, mainly in a slangy hyperbolic sense, eg:
My marks on the exam were unreal!
The movie last night was unreal!
Best wishes, Clive
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Hi Clive,
I didn't know that. As in the case of "unreality", I've generally found the word "unreal" used as a synonym for "non-existent". Probably I'm more used to the more technical meanings of some words.
When used with its "slangy hyperbolic sense", does "unreal" have a positive or a negative connotation?
Sextus
I didn't know that. As in the case of "unreality", I've generally found the word "unreal" used as a synonym for "non-existent". Probably I'm more used to the more technical meanings of some words.
When used with its "slangy hyperbolic sense", does "unreal" have a positive or a negative connotation?
Sextus
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Hello Sextus
Meriam-Webster explains "unreal" as follows:
unreal :
lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness: artificial, illusory; also : incredible, fantastic
Likely "unreal" is used almost always in a negative sense.
paco
Meriam-Webster explains "unreal" as follows:
unreal :
lacking in reality, substance, or genuineness: artificial, illusory; also : incredible, fantastic
Likely "unreal" is used almost always in a negative sense.
paco
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Hi,
When used with its "slangy hyperbolic sense", does "unreal" have a positive or a negative connotation?
It's hard to pin slang down, but I'd say 'unreal' can be either, depending on the context.
My parents won't let me go to the party! They're unreal!
or
Did you see that
When used with its "slangy hyperbolic sense", does "unreal" have a positive or a negative connotation?
It's hard to pin slang down, but I'd say 'unreal' can be either, depending on the context.
My parents won't let me go to the party! They're unreal!
or
Did you see that
00
It could be compared with an expression in French that carries both meanings too, it's "j'y crois pas!" (I can't believe in it!). I could perfectly imagine saying that instead of "... unreal" in the two examples Clive has just given. This is not vital in these Forums, yet
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Hello Pieanne,
I would never have thought that "j'y crois pas" could be used in that way. At least I'd never have employed thus. It's good to know this.
By the way, isn't "I can't believe it" the exact translation? I mean, of course that "y" stands for "à cela (ou ça)", but I find this translation more exact.
Sextus
I would never have thought that "j'y crois pas" could be used in that way. At least I'd never have employed thus. It's good to know this.
By the way, isn't "I can't believe it" the exact translation? I mean, of course that "y" stands for "à cela (ou ça)", but I find this translation more exact.
Sextus
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Hi, Sextus!
Nobody would say "I can't believe in it" in these cases in English, but yet it is the translation from French. Here some also say "t'y crois?" (in about the same meaning), and not "tu le crois?". The latter is said, but to ask if you believe a person, not in the "don't you find this unreal" sense. Note that it is informal, and neverto be pronounced correct
Nobody would say "I can't believe in it" in these cases in English, but yet it is the translation from French. Here some also say "t'y crois?" (in about the same meaning), and not "tu le crois?". The latter is said, but to ask if you believe a person, not in the "don't you find this unreal" sense. Note that it is informal, and neverto be pronounced correct
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Well, a person who would say "je n' y crois pas" would be more likely to say (instinctively) "ceci dépasse mes facultés d'imagination"...
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