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

The Chargers need to win at least two of those for a realistic chance of making the postseason.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

So much so, she began working as a personal trainer in Lancashire this year and thinks one of the best ways to lock in is setting realistic and achievable goals.

Read more on BBC

“I think that we are finally getting realistic,” said Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms in these conditions, after which spermine-based treatments could become realistic options.

Read more on Science Daily

Be realistic about what you will experience on Thanksgiving with friends too.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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