Skip to main content

realizeto become fully aware of something as a fact; understand clearly

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to become fully aware of something as a fact; understand clearly

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈriːəlaɪz/

Example Sentences

  • I realized I was wearing mismatched socks only when I took off my shoes at the airport security.
  • Students need to realize that cramming the night before won't guarantee good grades.
  • He realized his mistake when his 'sugar' turned out to be salt in his coffee.

realize

VERB

[/ˈriːəlaɪz/]

to become fully aware of something as a fact; understand clearly

Halfway to work, she suddenly realized she'd left the stove on.
💡 Concept

Halfway to work, she suddenly realized she'd left the stove on.

Remove your disguise to realize the surprise!
🎵 Rhyme

Remove your disguise to realize the surprise!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈriːəlaɪz/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈrɪəlaɪz/

🌳Etymology

Rootreal
Suffix--ize

Origin

From French 'réaliser', derived from Latin 'realis' meaning 'relating to things' (from 'res' meaning 'thing'), combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from Greek '-izein'). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially meaning 'to make real or actual', later developing the sense of 'to become aware of'.

Breakdown

re- (again/back) + al (relating to things, from Latin 'realis') + -ize (to make, to become) = realize (to make real; to become aware of)

🎵Rhyme

surprisecomprisedisguiseadvertise
surprise
comprise
disguise
advertise

🔗Collocations

realize one's potential
suddenly realize
realize a dream
fail to realize
realize the importance
fully realize

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

I realized I was wearing mismatched socks only when I took off my shoes at the airport security.

Students need to realize that cramming the night before won't guarantee good grades.

😄 Fun example

He realized his mistake when his 'sugar' turned out to be salt in his coffee.

Many people realize the value of health only after they lose it.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

understandrecognizecomprehendgraspperceive

Antonyms

misunderstandoverlookignore

Related

awarenessrecognitionunderstandingrealizationconsciousness

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.