realistic

[ree-uh-lis-tik]

adjective

1. interested in, concerned with, or based on what is real or practical.

   a realistic estimate of costs; a realistic planner.

   Synonyms: sensible, hardheaded, common-sense, pragmatic

2. pertaining to, characterized by, or given to the representation in literature or art of things as they really are.

   a realistic novel.

3. resembling or simulating real life.

   a duck hunter skilled at making realistic decoys.

4. Philosophy.,  of or relating to realists or realism.

realistic

/ ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. showing awareness and acceptance of reality

2. practical or pragmatic rather than ideal or moral

3. (of a book, film, etc) depicting or emphasizing what is real and actual rather than abstract or ideal

4. of or relating to philosophical realism

Other Word Forms

• realistically adverb
• antirealistic adjective
• antirealistically adverb
• hyperrealistic adjective
• nonrealistic adjective
• nonrealistically adverb
• overrealistic adjective
• overrealistically adverb
• prorealistic adjective
• pseudorealistic adjective
• quasi-realistic adjective
• quasi-realistically adverb
• semirealistic adjective
• semirealistically adverb
• ultrarealistic adjective
• unrealistic adjective
• unrealistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of realistic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; realist + -ic

Example Sentences

When circumstances create a realistic likelihood of vindictiveness, the burden shifts to the government to justify its conduct.

Read more on Salon

It's the latest entry in a long-running military shooter series often framed as a grittier, more realistic answer to Call of Duty.

Read more on BBC

But for the first time since the Hamas attacks on Israel, there is a realistic chance of ending the horrors of the last two years.

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I hope this puts your mind at ease, but it’s realistic to think about these things, including how you will deal with paying off this debt after your surgery.

Read more on MarketWatch

His previous effort was then dismissed by some industry leaders who didn’t think it was realistic, given how little revenue was generated by AI services at the time.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• businesslike 
• down-to-earth 
• practical 
• pragmatic 
• prudent 
• rational 
• real 
• reasonable 
• sane 
• sensible 
• sober