realize
C1Formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
to become completely aware of something as a fact; to understand clearly.
To cause something to happen; to achieve something hoped for or planned (e.g., realize a goal, realize a profit). Also, to convert assets into cash.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb covers both cognitive ('understand') and causative ('make real') meanings. The causative sense often relates to ambition, potential, or financial value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'realise' is standard in British English, while 'realize' is standard in American English. Both are pronounced the same.
Connotations
No significant connotative difference. The financial sense ('realize assets') is common in both.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. The 'understand' sense is more common in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO: She realized her mistake.SV that-clause: I realized that I was late.SV wh-clause: He realized how difficult it was.SVO (causative): They realized their ambitions.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Realize one's potential”
- “The penny dropped (UK, informal equivalent for sudden realization)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To convert assets into cash or to achieve a projected profit. 'The company realized a significant gain on the sale.'
Academic
To become cognizant of a concept, theory, or implication. 'The study helped us realize the broader social impact.'
Everyday
To suddenly understand or become aware of something. 'I just realized I left my keys at home.'
Technical
Less common; sometimes used in computing for rendering graphics or executing a plan.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I didn't realise the shop would be closed.
- She hopes to realise her artistic vision.
- They realised the estate to pay off the debts.
American English
- I didn't realize the store would be closed.
- She hopes to realize her artistic vision.
- They realized the assets to pay off the debts.
adverb
British English
- N/A for headword 'realize'. Related adverb: 'realizably' (rare).
American English
- N/A for headword 'realize'. Related adverb: 'realizably' (rare).
adjective
British English
- N/A for headword 'realize'. Related adjective: 'realizable'.
American English
- N/A for headword 'realize'. Related adjective: 'realizable'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I realize you are busy.
- She didn't realize the time.
- Do you realize how important this is?
- He realized his mistake and apologised.
- Suddenly, I realized I had been completely wrong.
- The project realized all its initial objectives.
- Investors realized substantial losses during the crisis.
- The full implications of the treaty were only realized decades later.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Make it REAL to your eyes (real-ize). You make a fact real in your mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING ("I see what you mean"), ACHIEVEMENT IS A JOURNEY'S END ("realize a dream").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'реализовать' in the sense of 'to sell'. Use 'sell' or 'market'.
- The Russian 'осознавать' is a closer match for the cognitive sense than 'понимать'.
- Do not use 'realize' for 'to notice something visually'; use 'notice' or 'see'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I realized about the problem.' Correct: 'I realized the problem.' or 'I realized there was a problem.'
- Spelling confusion between 'realize' (AmE) and 'realise' (BrE) in inappropriate contexts.
- Using 'realize' for a continuous process of thinking: 'I am realizing' is less common than 'I am beginning to realize'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'realize' used in its financial sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Realize' often implies a moment of sudden awareness or coming to understand a specific fact. 'Understand' is broader, referring to general comprehension of a subject, concept, or situation.
Both are correct, but 'realize' is the standard spelling in American English, while 'realise' is standard in British English. The 'z' spelling is also accepted in some British style guides.
Yes, but less commonly for the cognitive sense as it describes a punctual event. It's more natural in phrases like 'I am beginning to realize...' or for the causative sense (e.g., 'We are realizing our plans').
It is typically a transitive verb (realize + noun/that-clause). The preposition 'that' introduces a clause. Avoid using prepositions like 'about' directly after the verb (e.g., NOT 'I realized about it').
Explore