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realization

n.
US //ˈɹiɫəˈzeɪʃən// re·al·iza·tion
  1. 1 sudden understanding (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the moment you suddenly understand or become aware of something.

    the cognitive act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact.

    Example

    The realization that she had left her keys at work made her stop walking.

    Example

    The sudden realization of the project's true cost forced the board to reconsider their entire expansion strategy for the upcoming fiscal year.

  2. 2 making something real (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of making a plan, hope, or dream happen in real life.

    the achievement or practical manifestation of something planned or desired.

    Example

    Winning the award was the realization of his lifelong dream to be a writer.

    Example

    The successful launch of the satellite represented the final realization of years of collaborative research between the two universities.

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  1. 3 converting to cash (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

    selling something you own to get the money from it.

    the process of converting assets, such as property or stocks, into cash.

    Example

    The realization of the company's assets took several months after it closed.

    Example

    The court-ordered realization of the defendant's offshore holdings was necessary to compensate the victims of the fraud.

    Usage

    Often used in legal or financial contexts regarding the sale of a bankrupt person's property.

Origin

From French réalisation, from Middle French; equivalent to realize + -ation.

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