Word
realistically
Phoneticsre·al·is·ti·cal·ly
US/ˌɹiəˈɫɪstɪkɫi/
UK/ɹiəlˈɪstɪkli/
Definition
adv. in a way that is sensible and based on what is actually possible. You use this when you want to be honest about the facts of a situation.
adv. in a manner that is consistent with reality or practical possibilities. Often used to introduce a pragmatic assessment of a situation.
Examples
“Realistically, we cannot finish this work by tomorrow.”
“Realistically, the team needs at least two more weeks to test the software before the public launch.”
“While the initial proposal was ambitious, the board had to consider what could realistically be achieved within the current fiscal year's budget constraints.”
Examples
simple
“Realistically, we cannot finish this work by tomorrow.”
contextual
“Realistically, the team needs at least two more weeks to test the software before the public launch.”
complex
“While the initial proposal was ambitious, the board had to consider what could realistically be achieved within the current fiscal year's budget constraints.”
Usage
Often functions as a sentence adverb, placed at the beginning of a clause to set the tone for the statement.
Pitfall
We must think realistic about the cost.
We must think realistically about the cost.
Learners often use the adjective 'realistic' when the adverbial form 'realistically' is required to modify a verb.
Real-World Examples
Common in science writing
“Realistically, there’s no way you can sift through all of that information.” “The study also offers researchers new ways to describe human decision-making more realistically.” Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/realistically