realistic
Thinking in a sensible way about what can really happen, not dreaming or hoping for things that are very unlikely.
Having a sensible and practical view of a situation, understanding what is truly possible or likely instead of what is ideal or wished for.
Looking, sounding, or feeling like real life, especially in pictures, movies, games, or stories.
Very similar to real life in appearance, sound, behavior, or detail, especially in art, film, writing, or models.
Talking about events or stories that are not true but could really happen in the real world.
Describing stories, situations, or possibilities that, while imagined, could reasonably happen in real life.
- Base: realistic
a realistic chance
1a reasonably likely possibility
A real possibility that something good or bad might happen, not just a very small or crazy chance.
- She has a realistic chance of getting the job.
- Do we have a realistic chance of winning this contract?
- There is a realistic chance that it will rain tomorrow.
a realistic option
1a practical, possible choice
A choice that you can really use because it is possible and makes sense.
- Working part-time is not a realistic option for him right now.
- Is moving abroad a realistic option for your family?
- Given the budget, this is the only realistic option.
be realistic
1think in a practical, sensible way
To think or talk about a situation in a sensible way, accepting what is truly likely to happen.
- Be realistic about how much you can do in one day.
- Let’s be realistic: we probably won’t finish this by Friday.
- If you want to improve, you have to be realistic about your weaknesses.
keep it realistic
1avoid exaggeration, stay practical
To make sure that a plan, idea, or story stays close to what could really happen, not something crazy.
- Your story is fun, but try to keep it realistic.
- Let’s keep it realistic and start with a smaller project.
- When you write your goals, keep them realistic.
realistic about [something]
1practical about a particular thing
To think about one topic in a sensible way, accepting the true situation.
- You need to be realistic about how much this will cost.
- He is very realistic about his chances of promotion.
- Let’s try to stay realistic about what we can achieve this year.
realistic expectations
1expectations that match reality
Beliefs about what will happen that are not too high or too low, and can really happen.
- Parents should have realistic expectations of their children’s abilities.
- We need realistic expectations about how fast the economy can grow.
- Having realistic expectations will help you feel less stressed at work.
realistic picture of
1accurate description of a situation
A description or view that shows the truth about a situation, not just the good parts.
- The report gives a realistic picture of life in the camps.
- The documentary offers a realistic picture of modern farming.
- Teachers should give students a realistic picture of the job market.
realistic portrayal
1very lifelike depiction
A way of showing people or events in a film, book, or painting that is very close to real life.
- The movie is praised for its realistic portrayal of family life.
- The series offers a realistic portrayal of life in a big city hospital.
- Critics loved the realistic portrayal of teenage friendships.
realistic prices
1prices that are fair and reasonable
Prices that are not too high or too low for what something is worth.
- The store offers good quality at realistic prices.
- We need to set realistic prices if we want to stay competitive.
- Buyers are only interested if the house is listed at a realistic price.
set realistic goals
1choose goals you can really reach
To decide on goals that you can really reach, not goals that are too hard or impossible.
- When learning a language, it’s important to set realistic goals.
- The coach helped the team set realistic goals for the season.
- You should set realistic goals so you don’t get discouraged.