True-life Definition & Meaning

American

British

Etymology

Examples

Synonyms true-life American [troo-lahyf] / ˈtruˈlaɪf /

adjective

1. similar to everyday life; realistic.

   true-life episodes.

true-life British

adjective

1. directly comparable to reality

   a true-life romance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of true-life

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Premiering Sunday under the umbrella of the PBS series “Masterpiece Theatre,” the film tells the true-life story of Bernie Jordan, who, at 89, set off unaccompanied and unannounced from an English retirement home to attend celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France.

From Los Angeles Times

And while the film’s true-life tale is certainly stranger than fiction, Cianfrance avoided turning “Roofman” into Hollywood escapism.

From Los Angeles Times

One can see a ride inspired by Disney’s “True-Life Adventures” on the right side of the park.

From Los Angeles Times

Levinson animates many of Costello’s monologues about his life and work with a blend of archival and faux-archival photographs and footage, creating snapshots of history as a nod to the authenticity of this true-life tale.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Justin Lin returned to Sundance with “Last Days,” his sensationalized dramatization of true-life travel turned tragic parable.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.