In French, vérité and réalité are two important feminine nouns that express concepts at the heart of how we understand the world, but they are not interchangeable.
- vérité (truth) refers to what is true, accurate, and corresponds to facts or beliefs that are correct.
- réalité (reality) refers to what actually exists or happens—the state of things as they are, not as imagined or wished.
Both are feminine and singular/plural forms follow regular patterns: la vérité / les vérités, la réalité / les réalités.
Vérité: truth
Vérité expresses the idea of truth—what is accurate, genuine, and corresponds to facts or beliefs. It is an abstract, conceptual noun.
- Meaning: truth
- Gender: Feminine
- Usage: Used when talking about facts, honesty, principles, or what someone believes to be true.
Example Sentences
- La vérité est importante.
The truth is important.
- Elle cherche la vérité.
She is searching for the truth.
- Parfois, il est difficile d’accepter la vérité.
Sometimes, it is difficult to accept the truth.
Vérité means 'truth.'
Vérité is used for truth, facts, honesty, and principles.
Réalité: reality
Réalité refers to reality—the actual state of things as they are, what exists or happens in the real world, not based on imagination or dreams.
- Meaning: reality
- Gender: Feminine
- Usage: Used when referring to life situations, circumstances, or what really exists or occurs.
Example Sentences
- Il faut accepter la réalité.
You have to accept reality.
- La réalité est parfois dure.
Reality is sometimes hard.
- En réalité, ce n’est pas possible.
In reality, it’s not possible.
Réalité means 'reality.'
Réalité is used for real situations and circumstances.
Summary: Vérité vs Réalité
| Aspect | Vérité | Réalité |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Truth | Reality |
| Concept | What is true (fact/idea) | What actually exists |
| Usage | Truth, honesty, facts | Real situations, facts as they are |
| Gender | Feminine | Feminine |
| Examples | La vérité, les vérités | La réalité, les réalités |