realistic
reer-LIHS-tihk
Realistic (adj) means showing a sensible and practical understanding of what is actually possible. Example: “Be realistic: you cannot learn a whole language in a single week.”
adj
1
Showing a sensible and practical understanding of what is actually possible.
"Be realistic: you cannot learn a whole language in a single week."
"A realistic budget should include some money for unexpected repairs."
"We need to set realistic goals for the project."
2
Looking or seeming very much like real life.
"The artist painted such a realistic portrait that it looked like a photograph."
"Players love the game because its racing cars look and sound so realistic."
"The special effects made the dinosaurs look startlingly realistic."
How to use realistic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSensible and practical, or true to life in appearance.
Common pairings
realistic expectations
realistic goal
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more realistic
- Superlative
- most realistic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Be _____: you cannot learn a whole language in a single week.
Etymology
From "realist" plus the adjective suffix "-ic."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for realistic
holistic
sadistic
artistic
autistic
logistic
heuristic
statistic
ballistic
hedonistic
linguistic
futuristic
optimistic
See all rhymes for realistic →
Frequently asked questions
What does “realistic” mean?
The word “realistic” means showing a sensible and practical understanding of what is actually possible. In plain terms, sensible and practical, or true to life in appearance.
How do you pronounce “realistic”?
“Realistic” is pronounced reer-LIHS-tihk (/ˌɹɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “realistic” in a sentence?
Here is “realistic” used in a sentence: “We need to set realistic goals for the project.”
What is another word for “realistic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “realistic” include realsome.
What is the opposite of “realistic”?
The opposite of “realistic” — its antonyms — are unrealistic and utopian.
What part of speech is “realistic”?
“Realistic” is an adjective.
Is “realistic” a common word?
“Realistic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “realistic” have?
“Realistic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing a sensible and practical understanding of what is actually possible.
What is the difference between "realistic" and "real"?
"Real" means something actually exists or is genuine. "Realistic" means either being sensible and practical about what is actually possible, or looking and seeming very much like real life without necessarily being real.
When should you use "realistic" instead of "optimistic"?
Use "realistic" when you mean judging a situation by what is actually achievable, weighing both good and bad outcomes. "Optimistic" leans toward expecting the best, which is not always realistic.
What is the difference between "realistic" and "realist"?
"Realistic" is an adjective describing goals, expectations, or images that are practical or lifelike. "Realist" is a noun for a person who accepts and deals with things as they really are, or an adjective describing that outlook.
Can "realistic" describe both goals and pictures?
Yes. "Realistic" can describe expectations or plans that show a sensible grasp of what is possible, and it can also describe a painting, model, or film that looks very much like real life.
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