for real

phrase

1

informal

a

: genuine

I couldn't believe the requests were for real.

b

: honest, serious

Is that guy for real?

2

informal : genuinely good or capable of success (as in competition)

We are not yet sure if this team is for real.

3

informal : in earnest : seriously

fighting for real

also : in act or in fact : actually

I'm going to do it for real this time.

He's in trouble for real.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for for real

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel