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verb A2 Elementary Common

realise

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Also spelled realize (US spelling)

Realise (verb) means the standard British spelling of "realize," meaning to become fully aware of something, or to achieve or make something happen. Example: “I didn't realise how late it was until the shops had closed.”

verb
1
The standard British spelling of "realize," meaning to become fully aware of something, or to achieve or make something happen.
"Do you reckon Hissing Sid realises what a shagnasty that Mary is?" — Pip Granger, The Widow Ginger (2004)
"I didn't realise how late it was until the shops had closed."
"She suddenly realised she had left her keys at home."
"He worked for years to realise his dream of owning a restaurant."
"And for the first time she realised what it was to escape from the smallish perfection of England, into the grander imperfection of a great continent." — David Herbert Lawrence, The Journey Across (1920)

How to use realise

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo become aware of something, or to make something you hoped for actually happen.

UK vs US

"Realise" is the standard British spelling; American English uses "realize."

Easily confused with
realize →
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Word forms

Third person singular
realises
Past tense
realised
Archaic forms
realisest, realisedst, realiseth
Test yourself on “realise” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I didn't _____ how late it was until the shops had closed.

Etymology

From "real" plus the suffix "-ise," ultimately tracing back to French réaliser.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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understand grasp recognise comprehend appreciate achieve agnize agnise earn clear actualize actualise

Related words

like place top open understand win clear value

Rhymes for realise

rise wise vise Lise arise noise raise anise guise poise Elise Boise
See all rhymes for realise →

Frequently asked questions

What does “realise” mean?
The word “realise” means the standard British spelling of "realize," meaning to become fully aware of something, or to achieve or make something happen. In plain terms, to become aware of something, or to make something you hoped for actually happen.
How do you use “realise” in a sentence?
Here is “realise” used in a sentence: “She suddenly realised she had left her keys at home.”
What part of speech is “realise”?
“Realise” is a verb.
Where does the word “realise” come from?
The word “realise” comes from French. From "real" plus the suffix "-ise," ultimately tracing back to French réaliser.
Is “realise” a common word?
“Realise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "realise" and "realize"?
There is no difference in meaning; "realise" is the standard British spelling and "realize" is the standard American spelling. Both mean to become fully aware of something or to achieve or make something happen, and writers should stay consistent with one form.
Is "realise" spelled correctly, or should it be "realize"?
"Realise" is correct in British and much Commonwealth English, while "realize" is preferred in American English. Oxford style also accepts "realize" in British writing, but "realise" is standard and not an error in UK usage.
Does "realise" only mean to understand something?
No. Besides meaning to become aware or grasp something ("I realise now"), "realise" can mean to make something real or bring it about, as in "realise a dream" or "realise a profit." The context makes clear which sense applies.

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