surreal

Definition of surreal

Having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre or dreamlike, often characterized by an intense departure from reality that evokes a sense of the fantastical or absurd.

Origin of surreal

Language of origin: French

Root word: surréalisme

Original meaning: above realism

How it evolved: Coined by French poet Guillaume Apollinaire in the early 1900s, 'surrealism' combined 'sur-' (above) and 'réalisme' (realism) to describe an art style that transcended ordinary reality.

The word 'surreal' originates from the early 20th century artistic movement 'surrealism,' which sought to explore the unconscious and defy conventional reality.

First known use: 1930s

How to Remember surreal

Think of 'surreal' as 'so real' that it feels unreal, like a dream or bizarre fantasy.

Synonyms for surreal

• fantastical
• otherworldly
• ethereal
• preternatural
• hallucinatory
• unearthly
• phantasmagoric
• inconceivable

Antonyms of surreal

• realistic
• ordinary
• mundane
• normal
• practical

surreal in a Sentence

1. The artist's surreal painting depicted a landscape where gravity seemed to defy logic, with floating islands and upside-down trees.
2. Walking through the abandoned city felt surreal, as though time had stopped and reality had warped.
3. Her dream was so vivid and surreal that she woke up questioning whether it had actually happened.

surreal in Literature & Culture

Surreal frequently appears in literature and art criticism, describing works that challenge the boundaries of reality. Famous literary examples include Franz Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' and Samuel Beckett's absurdist plays.

Usage Notes

The word 'surreal' is often used metaphorically to describe situations or experiences that feel unreal or fantastical, but it may also have negative connotations when describing something unsettling or absurd.

Why surreal Matters for GRE & SAT

Surreal is a versatile word that frequently appears in GRE reading comprehension passages about art, literature, or abstract concepts. Understanding its usage can help test-takers navigate complex descriptions or analogies.

Word Family

surrealism (noun)

A 20th-century artistic movement focused on expressing the unconscious mind through irrational and fantastical imagery.

surrealist (noun)

An artist or writer who adheres to the principles of surrealism.

surreally (adverb)

In a manner that is bizarre or dreamlike.

Did You Know?

• The surrealist art movement included famous figures like Salvador Dalí, whose melting clocks in 'The Persistence of Memory' epitomize surrealism.
• The word 'surreal' gained popularity in the English language after surrealist art and literature influenced Western culture in the early 20th century.
• Surreal is often used in pop culture to describe fantastical movies, such as Christopher Nolan's 'Inception,' which explores dreamlike dimensions.

Related Words

• illusory
• abstract
• eccentric
• Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

• Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior