realism

noun

re·​al·​ism ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary

2

a

: a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind

specifically : the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality

b

: a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind compare nominalism

3

: the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization

Synonyms

• literalism
• naturalism
• representationalism
• verisimilitude
• verismo

Examples of realism in a Sentence

He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.

The realism of her dream was alarming.

the stark realism of the play

Recent Examples on the Web

The select few who appear worked collectively alongside Bustamante to build their characters’ backgrounds and advised on elements of the film’s use of magical realism. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 July 2024

One defiles realism, and the other refuses to let it out of its grip. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 July 2024

Inside the campaign, there is realism about what happened and hope that the president can reset the election as a choice not a referendum. —Dan Balz, Washington Post, 28 June 2024

The series, with Carty-Williams attached as showrunner, makes an immediate good impression, thanks to the realism of its mise-en-scène and especially for a phenomenal Dionne Brown, in her first major role. —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing realism

• anti-realism
• magic realism
• photo-realism
• socialist realism

Kids Definition

realism

noun

re·​al·​ism ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm 

ˈri-ə-

1

: willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary

2

: the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater

realist

-ləst 

adjective or noun