Surreal vs. Unreal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Surreal" refers to a dreamlike or fantastical quality that defies ordinary reality, often invoking a bizarre, altered state, whereas "unreal" generally describes something that is not real or believable, lacking authenticity or reality.
Difference Between Surreal and Unreal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term surreal is often used to describe experiences or artistic expressions that are bizarre or fantastical, resembling a dream more than reality. Whereas, unreal is used to describe something that simply does not exist or is beyond belief, often in a more straightforward sense of being fictitious or imagined.
Surreal experiences or artworks are characterized by an illogical or irrational juxtaposition of images or events, as seen in surrealism, an artistic movement that seeks to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. On the other hand, something that is unreal might be used to express disbelief in something's existence or occurrence, highlighting its lack of credibility or authenticity.
In literature or film, a surreal narrative might intentionally blur the lines between reality and imagination, creating a vivid, dreamlike atmosphere. Whereas, an unreal scenario in a story is typically one that the audience is expected to recognize as fabricated or exaggerated, often used to create dramatic or humorous effect.
The emotional impact of something surreal can be profound, leaving individuals with a sense of awe or disorientation. On the other hand, describing something as unreal might denote skepticism or a dismissal of its authenticity, often implying that it fails to convince or lacks emotional depth.
The use of surreal in describing art or experiences often suggests a deeper, sometimes unsettling exploration of reality, tapping into the subconscious. Whereas, unreal might be more casually used to express surprise or incredulity, without the deeper philosophical or psychological implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Resembling a dream; bizarre and fantastical.
Not real; lacking authenticity or believability.
Context
Art, literature, psychology.
Common speech, critique, entertainment.
Emotional Impact
Can be profound, unsettling.
Often denotes disbelief or lack of depth.
Typical Use
To describe artistic movements or dreamlike states.
To express skepticism or highlight fabrication.
Philosophical Depth
Often deep, exploring subconscious influences.
Generally shallow, focused on surface-level perception.
Compare with Definitions
Surreal
Resembling a bizarre, dream-like state.
Walking through the foggy, twisted landscape felt surreal.
Unreal
Used to express astonishment or disbelief at something.
The amount of waste produced is unreal.
Surreal
Art or experiences that transcend normal reality, often unsettling.
The artist's surreal paintings evoke a sense of another world.
Unreal
Not based on reality; fictitious or imagined.
The plot of the movie was completely unreal and hard to believe.
Surreal
Unexpectedly strange in a way that affects one's perception of reality.
The surreal silence that followed the speech was unnerving.
Unreal
Lacking authenticity or verisimilitude.
His excuse for being late was totally unreal.
Surreal
Characteristic of the surrealism movement in art.
Dali's clocks were not just melted; they were surreal.
Unreal
So extraordinary as to seem impossible.
The view from the mountain was so spectacular it seemed unreal.
Surreal
Depicting a fantasy world or illogical scenarios.
His stories are surreal, filled with creatures from his imagination.
Unreal
Denoting artificiality or simulation.
The texture of the vegan burger was surprisingly unreal.
Surreal
Having qualities attributed to or associated with surrealism
"Even with most facilities shut down ... a few mavericks managed to slip into the park to sample the almost surreal emptiness before the shutdown ended." (Peter H. King).
Unreal
Not real or substantial; illusory.
Surreal
Having an oddly dreamlike quality.
Unreal
(Slang) So remarkable as to elicit disbelief; fantastic.
Surreal
Resembling a dream: fantastic and incongruous
Unreal
Surreal.
Surreal
(math) surreal number
Unreal
Not real or substantial; having no actual presence in reality; lacking the characteristics of reality.
Surreal
Characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtapositions;
A great concourse of phantasmagoric shadows
The incongruous imagery in surreal art and literature
Unreal
(informal) very impressive; amazing; unbelievable; incredible; larger or more fantastic than typical of real life.
The video includes unreal footage of an eight-metre wave.
I just had an unreal hamburger.
Surreal
Resembling a dream;
Night invested the lake with a dreamlike quality
As irrational and surreal as a dream
Unreal
Not real; unsubstantial; fanciful; ideal.
Unreal
Lacking in reality or substance or genuineness; not corresponding to acknowledged facts or criteria;
Ghosts and other unreal entities
Unreal propaganda serving as news
Unreal
Not actually such; being or seeming fanciful or imaginary;
This conversation is getting more and more unreal
The fantastically unreal world of government bureaucracy
The unreal world of advertising art
Unreal
Contrived by art rather than nature;
Artificial flowers
Artificial flavoring
An artificial diamond
Artificial fibers
Artificial sweeteners
Unreal
Lacking material form or substance; unreal;
As insubstantial as a dream
An insubstantial mirage on the horizon
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes surreal art from other art forms?
Surreal art is distinguished by its exploration of the irrational and the subconscious, often using bizarre juxtapositions and dreamlike imagery to provoke thought and emotion.
What is the origin of the term "surreal"?
The term "surreal" originates from the 1920s Surrealism art movement, which sought to challenge the conventional reality by exploring the creative potential of the unconscious mind.
Is "unreal" used in formal contexts?
"Unreal" is generally used more in informal contexts to express disbelief or surprise, rather than in formal critiques or discussions.
How do surrealists manipulate reality in their works?
Surrealists manipulate reality by blending dream and fantasy elements with the real world, creating a super-reality or hyper-reality that questions the nature of perception.
How do surreal experiences influence art?
Surreal experiences often inspire artists to create works that explore deeper psychological truths and challenge the viewers' perceptions of reality.
Why might someone describe a situation as unreal?
Describing a situation as unreal typically indicates that the person finds it hard to believe or accept due to its extraordinary or exaggerated nature.
Can something be both surreal and unreal?
Yes, something can be both surreal and unreal if it is fantastical and dreamlike yet also lacks believability or authenticity.
Can the use of surreal and unreal in literature differ?
In literature, "surreal" is often used to create a specific atmosphere or theme, while "unreal" might be employed to critique or distance the narrative from reality.
How can understanding surreal and unreal help in psychological analysis?
Understanding these concepts can help in analyzing how individuals perceive reality and deal with experiences that are outside normal expectations, useful in therapeutic and diagnostic settings.
What effect does calling something unreal have on communication?
Calling something unreal can emphasize the speaker's strong emotional reaction to its implausibility or extraordinary nature, influencing how the information is received.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
