realization
reer-leye-ZAY-shuhn
Realization (noun) means the moment of suddenly understanding or becoming fully aware of something. Example: “It slowly dawned on her — a realization that she had taken the wrong exit an hour ago.”
noun
1
The moment of suddenly understanding or becoming fully aware of something.
"It slowly dawned on her — a realization that she had taken the wrong exit an hour ago."
"His realization that the deal was a scam came far too late."
"The realization that she had left the oven on made her run home."
2
The act of making a plan, goal, or idea into an actual reality.
"The realization of the bridge project took nearly a decade."
"Winning the championship was the realization of a lifelong dream."
"The realization of his plan to open a bakery required years of saving."
How to use realization
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the "aha" moment of understanding something, or actually making a plan or dream happen.
Common pairings
sudden realization
the realization of a dream
come to a realization
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Word forms
- Plural
- realizations
Fill the gap
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It slowly dawned on her — a _____ that she had taken the wrong exit an hour ago.
Etymology
From French réalisation, built from realize plus the noun-forming ending -ation.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for realization
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for realization →
Frequently asked questions
What does “realization” mean?
The word “realization” means the moment of suddenly understanding or becoming fully aware of something. In plain terms, either the "aha" moment of understanding something, or actually making a plan or dream happen.
How do you pronounce “realization”?
“Realization” is pronounced reer-leye-ZAY-shuhn (/ˌɹiə.lɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “realization” in a sentence?
Here is “realization” used in a sentence: “It slowly dawned on her — a realization that she had taken the wrong exit an hour ago.”
What part of speech is “realization”?
“Realization” is a noun.
Where does the word “realization” come from?
The word “realization” comes from French. From French réalisation, built from realize plus the noun-forming ending -ation.
Is “realization” a common word?
“Realization” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “realization” have?
“Realization” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the moment of suddenly understanding or becoming fully aware of something.
What is the difference between realization and recognition?
Realization refers to the moment you become fully aware of something, often something that was previously unclear or hidden from you. Recognition typically means identifying something you already knew or have encountered before. You can recognize a face instantly, but a realization usually involves a deeper shift in understanding.
What is the difference between realization and achievement?
Realization has two distinct senses: it can mean suddenly understanding something, or it can mean turning a plan, goal, or idea into an actual reality. In the second sense, it overlaps closely with achievement, as in 'the realization of a lifelong dream.' Achievement more narrowly implies success reached through effort.
Can realization be used to describe both a thought and an action?
Yes. Realization can describe an internal mental event, such as suddenly realizing a mistake, or an external process, such as the realization of a business plan into a working company. The intended meaning is usually clear from context, particularly whether the sentence involves a goal being carried out.
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