realization

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.

“Realization” is pronounced reer-leye-ZAY-shuhn (/ˌɹiə.lɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “realization” used in a sentence: “It slowly dawned on her — a realization that she had taken the wrong exit an hour ago.”

“Realization” is a noun.

The word “realization” comes from French. From French réalisation, built from realize plus the noun-forming ending -ation.

“Realization” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Realization” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the moment of suddenly understanding or becoming fully aware of something.

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.

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.

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.