Real

In finance, "real" refers to an amount that's been adjusted for inflation, representing the true purchasing power. Unlike "nominal" figures, which show monetary values without considering inflation, "real" values account for changes in prices over time. For example, if your salary increases by 5% but inflation is 3%, your "real" increase in purchasing power is approximately 2%. This helps accurately compare financial data across different periods, ensuring you're assessing value rather than just raw numbers influenced by inflation. Essentially, "real" measures give a clearer picture of economic strength or individual progress by removing the effects of rising prices.