Word
realist
Phoneticsre·al·ist, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹiəɫɪst/
UK/ɹˈiəlɪst/
Españolrealista
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone who sees things as they really are, rather than how they wish they were. You are a realist if you focus on facts and practical results instead of dreams.
n. a person who accepts a situation as it is and is prepared to deal with it accordingly. In art or literature, refers to a creator who aims to represent subjects as they appear in everyday life.
Examples
“I am a realist, so I know this plan will take a long time.”
“While the rest of the team hoped for a miracle, the realist in the group started looking for a backup plan.”
“The author was a committed realist, populating her novels with gritty details of urban poverty that challenged the romanticised depictions common in the literature of her era.”
Examples
simple
“I am a realist, so I know this plan will take a long time.”
contextual
“While the rest of the team hoped for a miracle, the realist in the group started looking for a backup plan.”
complex
“The author was a committed realist, populating her novels with gritty details of urban poverty that challenged the romanticised depictions common in the literature of her era.”
Usage
Often contrasted with 'idealist' or 'dreamer'.
Real-World Examples
“But being a measured realist might be even better for your mental health, researchers say.” Etymology
From real + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/realist
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0