English Lexicon

Alternate-reality

/ˈɔːl.tɚ.nət riˈæl.ə.t̬i/
nounadjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A hypothetical universe or timeline that exists alongside our own, typically featuring different historical outcomes or physical laws.

    "In this alternate-reality, the Roman Empire never collapsed and space travel was achieved in the nineteenth century."
As adjective
  1. 1

    Pertaining to or characteristic of a setting or genre featuring parallel universes or divergent historical timelines.

    "The author is famous for writing compelling alternate-reality thrillers."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'alternare' (to do by turns, to interchange) combined with 'realitas' (reality, from res meaning 'thing'). The compound emerged in the mid-20th century through speculative fiction and theoretical physics discussions to describe a universe or timeline existing concurrently with, but separate from, our own.

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