realize

verb

re·​al·​ize ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz 

realized; realizing

transitive verb

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

realizable

ˌrē-ə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

realizer noun

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for realize

think, conceive, imagine, fancy, realize, envisage, envision mean to form an idea of.

think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation

envisioned a cure for the disease

Examples of realize in a Sentence

They did not realize the risk that was involved.

He finally realized the scope of the problem.

She realizes how much things have changed.

Do you realize how difficult that stunt is?

You just have to realize that you can't always get what you want.

She slowly realized what he was trying to say.

He realized a lifelong dream by winning an Olympic medal.

He finally realized his ambition to start his own business.

Recent Examples on the Web

Donna explained that during the famous foursome's beach day, Travis realized Cooper would be appearing at the same QVC event as his mom. —Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

However, the couple quickly realized that something was missing. —Michael Burgess, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2024

As the summer holiday ends and the months race on, the friends begin to realize that the school year will come with both its joys and its challenges. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

Soon, Barber was contacted by major record labels and, for the first time, realized music was indeed also a business. —Dan Hyman, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2024

On November 6th of 2023, Christie’s realized $478,800 for an English-market yellow gold 6063 on a three-link bracelet. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2024

But that hasn’t happened in part because landlords realize most tenants won’t go to the trouble of moving to save even $200 to $300 a month, says economist Matt Colyar of Moody’s Analytics. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

While viewers may learn new things or see others who live differently than themselves, Hall said the show helps people realize everybody just wants the same thing. —Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024

However, the race to realize artificial intelligence’s potential might be the moment this approach comes unstuck. —Aroosh Thillainathan, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French réaliser, from Middle French realiser, from real real

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing realize

• reach/realize one's full potential

Kids Definition

realize

verb

re·​al·​ize ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz 

ˈri-ə-

realized; realizing

1

: to bring into being : accomplish

realize a lifelong ambition

2

: to get by sale or effort : gain

realize a profit

3

: to be aware of

realized their danger

realizable

-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

realization

ˌrē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən

ˌri-ə-

noun

Legal Definition

realize

transitive verb

re·​al·​ize ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz 

realized; realizing

1

: to convert into money

2

: to obtain or incur (as a gain or loss) especially as the result of a sale, exchange, or other disposition of an asset

realized a loss when the house was sold

compare recognize

realization

ˌrē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun