realize

verb

US /ˈriəˌlaɪz/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	realize
he/she/it	realizes
present participle	realizing
past tense	realized
past participle	realized

1
transitive to gradually begin to understand something that you did not know or notice before
I soon realized my mistake.
realize (that):
It was some time before he realized he’d offended them.
She realized with growing dismay that the man was drunk.
realize why/how etc.:
I now realize how much I miss him.
Synonyms and related words
To understand something
understand
know
work out
Collocates
Adverbs frequently used with realize
▪ belatedly, gradually, instantly, quickly, soon, suddenly
2
intransitive/transitive to know and understand something
Almost without realizing it, he began to sing.
realize (that):
It’s important to realize that this situation is only temporary.
realize what/how etc.:
At the time I never even realized how unhappy I was.
Synonyms and related words
To know something or someone
know
realize
have heard of
1. 2a
  used for showing someone that you understand their feelings
  We realize that this is difficult for you to accept, but it’s for the best.
  Synonyms and related words
  Ways of saying that you know, understand or agree
  of course
  OK
  all right
3
transitive formalto achieve something that you have planned or hoped for
Their expectations of huge profits were never fully realized.
realize a goal/dream/ambition etc.:
He finally realized his boyhood ambition to become a dancer.
Synonyms and related words
To carry out a plan
implement
go through with
carry through
4
transitive businessto obtain an amount of money by selling something
Synonyms and related words
To earn a particular amount of money
generate
get
get back

phrases

realize your (full) potential

someone’s (worst) fears were realized

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realize

realize