English Reference
Noun

realist

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɹiəɫɪst/ UK /ɹˈiəlɪst/ re·al·ist UK spelling realist's, realist's Art Literature Philosophy

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.


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'.


From real + -ist.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated