Definition

Adjective: - Accurately representing reality; realistic: Describes a portrayal, depiction, or representation that closely matches real-life appearance, behavior, or experience. It emphasizes authenticity and fidelity to the actual nature of things.

Usage

This adjective is typically used to describe creative works, simulations, or descriptions. It is often placed before a noun (attributive) or used after a linking verb (predicative). It praises the authenticity of a representation.

Examples

• The documentary's true-to-life scenes of wildlife captivated the audience.
• Her performance was so true to life that it moved many viewers to tears.
• The software provides a true-to-life simulation of flying an aircraft.
• The author's characters feel true to life because they have complex motivations and flaws.

Advanced Usage

• "true to life" (predicative position): Often used after verbs like , , or .
  • The dialogue in the film didn't seem true to life; it was too formal and poetic.
• Hyphenation: The hyphenated form "true-to-life" is standard when used directly before a noun (attributive). Without a hyphen, it is typically used after a verb.

Variants and Related Words

• Realistic (adj): Similar in meaning, describing something that accurately represents real things. ()
• Lifelike (adj): Very closely resembling a real living being or thing. ()
• Authentic (adj): Genuine and conforming to fact or reality. ()

Synonyms

• Realistic
• Lifelike
• Authentic
• Convincing
• Faithful (to reality)

Antonyms

• Unrealistic
• Implausible
• Fanciful
• Exaggerated
• Stylized

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ring true: To sound authentic or believable.
  • His explanation of the events didn't quite ring true.
• True to form: Behaving or happening in the way that is typical or expected.
  • True to form, he arrived at the meeting twenty minutes late.

Adjective

1. representing things or actions or conditions as they actually are
   • the novel about ghetto life was true to life
   • true-to-life duck decoys