realize
To become fully aware of something as a fact or to understand a situation clearly. It also refers to the act of making a hope, fear, or ambition happen in reality.
Examples
3 of 5I didn't realize that it was already midnight.
I didn't realize that it was already midnight.
The board of directors must realize the long-term implications of this decision.
The board of directors must realize the long-term implications of this decision.
I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day!
I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'real'. When you realize something, you make the idea 'real' in your mind.
Quick Quiz
She didn't _______ how much the gift meant to him until he started crying.
Correct!
The correct answer is: realize
Examples
I didn't realize that it was already midnight.
everydayI didn't realize that it was already midnight.
The board of directors must realize the long-term implications of this decision.
formalThe board of directors must realize the long-term implications of this decision.
I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day!
informalI just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day!
It is essential to realize that these variables are interdependent.
academicIt is essential to realize that these variables are interdependent.
We hope to realize a significant profit by the end of the fiscal year.
businessWe hope to realize a significant profit by the end of the fiscal year.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
realize one's full potential
to become as successful as one is able to be
make someone realize
to cause someone to understand a truth
hard to realize
difficult to achieve or difficult to understand
Often Confused With
Notice refers to sensory observation (seeing/hearing), whereas realize refers to mental understanding or sudden awareness.
Actualize is a more formal term used specifically for making a concept real, while realize is more common for understanding thoughts.
Usage Notes
In American English, 'realize' is the standard spelling. In British English, 'realise' is more common, though 'realize' is also accepted.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'realize' when they mean they 'met' someone or 'recognized' a face. Realize is for facts or situations, not people.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'real'. When you realize something, you make the idea 'real' in your mind.
Word Origin
From the Middle French 'réaliser', which comes from 'real', meaning 'relating to things'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, 'realizing one's potential' is a significant individualistic value associated with personal growth and success.
Quick Quiz
She didn't _______ how much the gift meant to him until he started crying.
Correct!
The correct answer is: realize
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
antibiotic
B2Relating to a substance that is capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria. It describes medications or properties used to treat infections caused by bacteria rather than viruses.
antibody
B2A protective protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance, called an antigen. It identifies and neutralizes threats like bacteria, viruses, and toxins to prevent infection.
immunization
B2The process by which an individual's immune system becomes protected against a specific disease, typically through the administration of a vaccine. It refers to both the act of giving a vaccine and the resulting state of being immune to an infection.
injection
B2An injection is the act of putting a liquid, especially a drug, into a person's body using a needle and a syringe. Metaphorically, it refers to the act of introducing something new, such as money or energy, into a system or organization to improve it.
prescription
B2Relating to a medicine or treatment that can only be obtained through a written order from a qualified doctor. It describes items that are legally regulated and require professional authorization rather than being available for direct purchase.
anesthetic
B2A substance or drug that induces a reversible loss of sensation or consciousness. It is used in medical procedures to prevent a patient from feeling pain during surgery or other painful treatments.
vaccine
B2A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases. It is typically prepared from the causative agent of a disease or a synthetic substitute and is administered to prevent future infection.
medication
B2To treat a person or animal with medicine, or to provide a drug to alleviate symptoms and manage health conditions. It describes the professional act of administering healthcare substances or the personal act of self-treating a condition.
blond
B2A person, typically a male, who has fair or pale yellow hair. While it is more commonly used as an adjective, as a noun it refers specifically to the individual with this hair color.
sedative
B2Describing a substance or quality that tends to calm, soothe, or induce sleep. It is commonly used in medical contexts to describe drugs that reduce excitement or in general contexts to describe anything that has a quietening effect.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free