realize

[ ree-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, re·al·ized, re·al·iz·ing.

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)

, re·al·ized, re·al·iz·ing.

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 of a musicologist or performer
   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

Derived Forms

• ˈrealˌizable, adjective
• ˈrealˌizer, noun
• ˈrealˌizably, adverb
• ˌrealiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• re·al·iz·a·ble adjective
• re·al·iz·a·bil·i·ty [ree-, uh, -lahyz-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], re·al·iz·a·ble·ness noun
• re·al·iz·a·bly adverb
• re·al·iz·er noun
• hy·per·re·al·ize verb (used with object) hyperrealized hyperrealizing
• non·re·al·iz·a·ble adjective
• non·re·al·iz·ing adjective
• pre·re·al·ize verb (used with object) prerealized prerealizing
• un·der·re·al·ize verb (used with object) underrealized underrealizing
• un·re·al·ize verb (used with object) unrealized unrealizing

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

Once we started hearing all the stories, we realized it was probably a series and not one film.

From Vox

Now in 2020, we’re realizing those same elements are just as valuable when it comes to helping people feel comfortable flying.

From TechCrunch

He realized he could use his skills to help the Gotham Coyote Project.

From Science News For Students

Fibroblasts, tumor cells, glial cells … The team realized every time they depleted the cell of PTB, the cell would convert into a neuron.

From Nautilus

It took me a long time for me to realize that and to feel comfortable just being me.

From Washington Blade

Our duty is to make sure that they realize that the Prophet is not avenged.

From The Daily Beast

And in order for them to realize their vision, they are willing to use any means.

From The Daily Beast

It just took the “other” Senhor José a few decades to realize that.

From The Daily Beast

Finding the common bonds that help us realize that we have far more in common than that which separates us.

From The Daily Beast

Finally, Van Cleef and Martin realize Liberty is going too far.

From The Daily Beast

Few people, I think, realize that, and fewer still realize the reasonable consequences of that.

From Project Gutenberg

Sondershausen is a dreamy, sleepy place, with so little life about it that you hardly realize there are any people there at all.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course, you probably realize the difficulty of laying hands on men who know they are wanted, and act accordingly.

From Project Gutenberg

How little did she realize the long drawn-out agony that was even then beginning for her sisters in that ill-fated entrenchment!

From Project Gutenberg

She did not realize that a passion for a business enterprise, as for a woman, is capable of destroying the balance of any man.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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