realize

especially British, re·al·ise

[ree-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with object)

realized, realizing 

1. to grasp or understand clearly.

   Synonyms: comprehend, conceive
   Antonyms: misunderstand

2. to make real; give reality to (a hope, fear, plan, etc.).

   Synonyms: effect, accomplish

3. to bring vividly to the mind.

4. to convert into cash or money.

   to realize securities.

5. to obtain as a profit or income for oneself by trade, labor, or investment.

6. to bring as proceeds, as from a sale.

   The goods realized $1000.

7. Music.,  to sight-read on a keyboard instrument or write out in notation the full harmony and ornamentation indicated by (a figured bass).

8. Linguistics.,  to serve as an instance, representation, or embodiment of (an abstract linguistic element or category).

   In “Jack tripped,” the subject is realized by “Jack,” the predicate by “tripped,” and the past tense by “-ed.”

verb (used without object)

realized, realizing 

1. to convert property or goods into cash or money.

realize

/ ˈrɪəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to become conscious or aware of (something)

2. (tr, often passive) to bring (a plan, ambition, etc) to fruition; make actual or concrete

3. (tr) to give (something, such as a drama or film) the appearance of reality

4. (tr) (of goods, property, etc) to sell for or make (a certain sum)

   this table realized £800

5. (tr) to convert (property or goods) into cash

6. (tr)

   1. to expand or complete (a thorough-bass part in a piece of baroque music) by supplying the harmonies indicated in the figured bass

   2. to reconstruct (a composition) from an incomplete set of parts

7. to sound or utter (a phoneme or other speech sound) in actual speech; articulate

Other Word Forms

• realizable adjective
• realizability noun
• realizableness noun
• realizably adverb
• realizer noun
• hyperrealize verb (used with object)
• nonrealizable adjective
• nonrealizing adjective
• prerealize verb (used with object)
• underrealize verb (used with object)
• unrealize verb (used with object)
• realization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of realize¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French réaliser, Middle French, equivalent to real real ¹ + -iser -ize

Synonym Study

See imagine.

Example Sentences

"I realized that everything tasted pretty much the same to me, and I started then actively seeking these products."

From BBC

“This partnership is a major step in building the compute capacity needed to realize AI’s full potential,” Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, said in a news release.

From Los Angeles Times

I realize you gotta pay your athletes and all the teams you own, but I find it disgusting that all home games end up being a road games for the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the county realized they were facing thousands of lawsuits, it has been the job of Fesia Davenport, the chief executive officer, to ensure the county doesn’t go bankrupt.

From Los Angeles Times

Shilling is still pinching herself, even though she now realizes her journey was meant to be.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comprehend 
• get 
• grasp 
• know 
• recognize 
• think 
• understand