A1 verb Neutral #192 most common

realize

/ˈriːəlaɪz/

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 5
1

I didn't realize that it was already midnight.

I didn't realize that it was already midnight.

2

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.

3

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!

Word Family

Noun
realization
Verb
realize
Adjective
realizable
Related
reality
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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

1

I didn't realize that it was already midnight.

everyday

I didn't realize that it was already midnight.

2

The board of directors must realize the long-term implications of this decision.

formal

The board of directors must realize the long-term implications of this decision.

3

I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day!

informal

I just realized I've been wearing my shirt inside out all day!

4

It is essential to realize that these variables are interdependent.

academic

It is essential to realize that these variables are interdependent.

5

We hope to realize a significant profit by the end of the fiscal year.

business

We hope to realize a significant profit by the end of the fiscal year.

Word Family

Noun
realization
Verb
realize
Adjective
realizable
Related
reality

Common Collocations

realize a dream to make a dream come true
suddenly realize to understand something all of a sudden
realize potential to reach the full level of one's ability
fail to realize to not understand or notice something important
realize the importance to understand why something matters

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

realize vs notice

Notice refers to sensory observation (seeing/hearing), whereas realize refers to mental understanding or sudden awareness.

realize vs actualize

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

realize + that-clause realize + noun phrase realize + question word (how/what/why)
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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 Words

antibiotic

B2

Relating 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

B2

A 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

B2

The 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

B2

An 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

B2

Relating 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

B2

A 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

B2

A 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

B2

To 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

B2

A 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

B2

Describing 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.

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