realize
gb/ɹˈiəlˌaɪz/ us/ɹˈiəlˌaɪz/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
state
1
Become aware or understand
To suddenly know or understand something.
Usage pattern:
to realize [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'realize' with 'recognize'. 'Realize' is for understanding or becoming aware, not just seeing something familiar.
Synonyms
recognize (Often used for identifying something familiar, while 'realize' focuses on becoming aware or understanding.)
|
understand ('Understand' can be broader and more general, while 'realize' often implies a moment of awareness.)
Antonyms
ignore (To deliberately not notice or acknowledge something.)
Collocations
suddenly realize
|realize the truth
|realize a mistake
|realize what happened
Themes
thinking
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I suddenly realized I had left my phone at home.
- She realized the meeting was canceled when she saw the empty room.
- He didn't realize how late it was until he checked his watch.
- We only realized our mistake after sending the email.
Learner examples
- I realize I am wrong.
- She realizes her bag is not here.
- We realize it is raining.
- They realize they need more time.
Verb
B1
action
2
Achieve something desired
To make an idea, plan, or dream happen in real life.
Usage pattern:
to realize [a dream/goal/plan]
Common mistake:
Some learners overuse 'realize' instead of 'achieve' when talking about everyday tasks; 'realize' is more for significant goals.
Synonyms
fulfill ('Fulfill' often suggests completing a duty or satisfying a requirement, while 'realize' emphasizes making something real.)
|
achieve (More general for reaching goals; 'realize' can feel more personal or visionary.)
Antonyms
abandon (To give up on a plan or goal before achieving it.)
Collocations
realize a dream
|realize an ambition
|realize your potential
Themes
goals
|success
|personal development
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- She finally realized her dream of opening a café.
- He worked hard to realize his ambition of becoming a doctor.
- The project will help young people realize their potential.
Learner examples
- I want to realize my dream.
- She realizes her goal of travel.
- We realize our plan next year.
Verb
C1
action
3
Convert asset into money
To get money by selling something you own.
Usage pattern:
to realize [an asset/investment]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this financial sense with the common 'understand' meaning; context usually clarifies.
Synonyms
liquidate ('Liquidate' is more formal and often used in legal or business contexts.)
Antonyms
invest (To put money into something instead of taking it out.)
Collocations
realize a profit
|realize assets
Themes
finance
|business
Examples
- The company realized a large profit from the sale.
- They realized their assets to pay off debts.
- He hopes to realize value from his investment.
Learner examples
- I realize my car for money.
- They realize their house to get cash.
- We realize our old things at the market.
Grammar
Dictionary form
realize
IPA
GB/ɹˈiəlˌaɪz/
US/ɹˈiəlˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
real - ize (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (real)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: realize
- Variant Spelling: realise
- 3rd Person Singular: realizes
- Present Participle: realizing
- Past: realized
Word family
Forms
Core family
Related words
realistic
adjective B1
realistically
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
Highlights
- Spelling Variant: realise Verb
Expressions
make someone realize
1/mˈeɪk sˈʌmwˌʌn ɹˈiəlˌaɪz/
fixed phrase
Cause awareness in someone
To help someone understand something clearly.
Examples
- His words made me realize the importance of family.
- The accident made her realize how short life is.
realize one's potential
1/ɹˈiəlˌaɪz wˈʌnz pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
Achieve full capability
To do as well as you possibly can in life or work.
Examples
- The program helps students realize their potential.
- She finally realized her potential as an artist.