realize
verb (used with object)
to grasp or understand clearly.
was realizing
-
past progressiveof realize.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The key insight was realizing that you don't actually want to push the system into the deepest possible valley," says Robert Riggleman, Professor in CBE and co-senior author of the paper.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 15, 2026
What really struck me in that moment was realizing that only six months earlier, Zohran had been polling at 1 percent and was a candidate no one thought would go very far.
From Slate ● Nov. 12, 2025
As I was realizing that I was taking everything for granted, it was like every knob in my brain just got jammed up to 11, and I could see everything with crystal clarity.
From Salon ● May 4, 2023
“A huge part of my own journey was realizing, ‘Wow, this bias is very deep in me.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2022
I think Dad was realizing it, too, because when I got into the passenger seat, he wrapped an arm around me and pulled me into an awkward hug.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
