realness

USAGE SUMMARY

"realness" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to refer to qualities of genuineness and authenticity, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "The realness of his performance was impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was quite a year for reality TV, in all its fake-real, hard-to-tell-how-real, and really real realness.

The New Yorker

They weren't all unmixed blessings or terribly significant — a show at the Frick involved moving four old paintings from one room into the room next to… This was quite a year for reality TV, in all its fake-real, hard-to-tell-how-real, and really real realness.

The New Yorker

I must say that it's hard to deny the very real possibility that public doubts about the "realness" of Father's Day regularly hamper its success.

Independent

It was jarring to see Facebook's word choice, "real," applied to drag performers, for whom the concept of realness has long been fraught.

The New Yorker

The latest can be found at McDonald's, where in-store advertisements for the McRib sandwich herald the product with these words: "It's real pork!" Now, as regulars know, this runs directly against the Haggler's plea, described in this space in August 2010, to cease boasting about the realness of a food product that consumers should assume is real, without the boast.

The New York Times

To say that real, big things should be considered as metaphors shows some doubt in their realness, a will to dematerialize; the moment a thing becomes a mere figure of speech, its bright noon is past.

The New Yorker

People want realness.

The New Yorker

Most compelling is the realness of this collection, the way that even the most surreal story – in which speaking with the dead is presented almost as a matter of course – tells us truths about the awkward ways we seek to relate to one another.

Independent

I might not have the education and the degrees to prove it but I have street knowledge and I am very wise on the matter of realness.

Independent

It's a big club and at the same time there's a down-to-earth quality, a realness, a part to it which is important".

Independent

After their experience with Facebook, Sister Roma and Lil Miss Hot Mess staged a protest (largely on Facebook, naturally) over what they saw as a blinkered understanding of realness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "realness" to emphasize authenticity, especially in contexts where artificiality is common.

Common error

Avoid using "realness" when a more specific term like "authenticity" or "truthfulness" would provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "realness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being real, genuine, or authentic, according to Ludwig AI. This is supported by the examples where "realness" is used to describe the authenticity of performances, emotions, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "realness" functions as a noun that denotes authenticity and genuineness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically sound and frequently used, especially within News & Media. While synonyms such as "authenticity" and "genuineness" can provide greater specificity, "realness" carries a unique emphasis on the state of being truly, undeniably real. When employing "realness", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended nuance of genuineness and avoid using it when a more precise term would enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authenticity

Focuses on the genuine and unadulterated nature of something.

genuineness

Emphasizes the sincerity and honesty of something.

veracity

Highlights the truthfulness and accuracy of something.

sincerity

Focuses on the honesty and lack of pretense in something.

truthfulness

Stresses the quality of being in accordance with facts or reality.

legitimacy

Highlights the conformity to the law or to rules.

validity

Focuses on the state of being legally or officially acceptable.

factuality

Emphasizes the adherence to facts and objective reality.

credibility

Highlights the quality of being trusted and believed in.

actualness

Focuses on the state of being real or existing in fact.

FAQs

How can I use "realness" in a sentence?

You can use "realness" to describe the quality of being genuine or authentic. For example, "The "realness of his performance" captivated the audience."

What is a good synonym for "realness"?

Synonyms for "realness" include "authenticity", "genuineness", and "sincerity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "realness" most appropriately used?

"Realness" is often used in discussions about art, performance, and personal identity, where genuineness is a key theme.

Is "realness" a formal or informal term?

"Realness" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in discussions about culture and personal experience.