realize
REER-lyz
Also spelled realise (UK spelling)
Realize (verb) means to become fully aware of a fact or situation, especially one that was true all along. Example: “I suddenly realized that I had left my keys on the bus.”
verb
1
To become fully aware of a fact or situation, especially one that was true all along.
"I suddenly realized that I had left my keys on the bus."
"She didn't realize how late it was until the sun came up."
"He realized halfway through the meeting that he had the wrong file."
2
To turn a plan, goal, or idea into actual reality.
"After years of saving, they realized their ambition of sailing around the coast."
"The company finally realized its vision of an all-electric fleet."
"She worked for years to realize her dream of opening a bakery."
3
To sell an asset or investment and convert it into cash, or the profit gained by doing so.
"She sold her old paintings and realized enough cash to pay for the trip."
"He realized a tidy profit when he sold the shares."
"The estate was realized to pay off outstanding debts."
How to use realize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo suddenly understand something, or to make something actually happen (including turning an investment into cash).
UK vs US
British English usually spells it "realise"; American English uses "realize" — both pronounced the same.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
realize a profit
realize a dream
suddenly realize
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- realizes
- Past tense
- realized
- Archaic forms
- realizest, realizedst, realizeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I suddenly _____ that I had left my keys on the bus.
Etymology
From real plus -ize ("to make"), echoing French réaliser; real traces back through Old French and Latin rēs, "thing."
Synonyms
View more →
recognize
understand
grasp
comprehend
appreciate
become aware
see
agnise
clear
actualise
actualize
agnize
Related words
Rhymes for realize
See all rhymes for realize →Frequently asked questions
What does “realize” mean?
The word “realize” means to become fully aware of a fact or situation, especially one that was true all along. In plain terms, to suddenly understand something, or to make something actually happen (including turning an investment into cash).
How do you pronounce “realize”?
“Realize” is pronounced REER-lyz (/ˈɹi(.ə)ˌlaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “realize” in a sentence?
Here is “realize” used in a sentence: “She didn't realize how late it was until the sun came up.”
What part of speech is “realize”?
“Realize” is a verb.
Where does the word “realize” come from?
The word “realize” comes from Latin. From real plus -ize ("to make"), echoing French réaliser; real traces back through Old French and Latin rēs, "thing.".
Is “realize” a common word?
“Realize” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “realize” have?
“Realize” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to become fully aware of a fact or situation, especially one that was true all along.
What is the difference between realize and understand?
Realize is the moment you become aware that something is true, often suddenly — 'I realized I'd left my keys.' Understand is grasping how or why something works, usually more gradual. You can understand a subject deeply over time, but you realize a fact in an instant of recognition.
What is the difference between realise and realize?
There is no difference in meaning — only in spelling. Realize is standard in American English and widely accepted elsewhere, while realise is common in British English. Both are pronounced the same and mean to become fully aware of something. Choose one spelling and use it consistently.
Does realize have other meanings?
Yes. Besides becoming aware of something, realize can mean to make something real or achieve it, as in 'she realized her dream of opening a shop.' In finance it can mean to turn assets into money, or to gain a profit. Context makes clear which sense is meant.
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