realize

re·al·ize

transitive verb \ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz\

re·al·izedre·al·iz·ing

Definition of REALIZE

1

a : to bring into concrete existence : accomplish <finally realized her goal>

b : to cause to seem real : make appear real <a book in which the characters are carefully realized>

2

a : to convert into actual money <realized assets>

b : to bring or get by sale, investment, or effort : gain <realized a large profit>

3

: to conceive vividly as real : be fully aware of <did not realize the risk she was taking>

— re·al·iz·able \ˌrē-ə-ˈlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

— re·al·iz·er noun

Examples of REALIZE

1. They did not realize the risk that was involved.
2. He finally realized the scope of the problem.
3. She realizes how much things have changed.
4. Do you realize how difficult that stunt is?
5. You just have to realize that you can't always get what you want.
6. She slowly realized what he was trying to say.
7. He realized a lifelong dream by winning an Olympic medal.
8. He finally realized his ambition to start his own business.

Origin of REALIZE

French réaliser, from Middle French realiser, from real real

First Known Use: circa 1611

Related to REALIZE

Synonyms

ascertain, catch on (to), find out, get on (to), hear, learn, discover, see, wise (up)

Antonyms

forfeit, lose

Related Words

hit (on or upon), tumble (to); descry, detect, encounter, espy, see, spot; calculate, dope (out), figure out, find, puzzle (out); discern, mind, note, observe, perceive; divine

Near Antonyms

miss, overlook; disregard, ignore; forget, unlearn; blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, occult, screen, shroud, veil

See Synonym Discussion at think