# realize

/ˈɹiəˌɫaɪz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/realize
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to understand

verb · CEFR A2

to suddenly understand a situation or become aware of a fact.

For teachers: to become aware of, understand, or appreciate a fact or situation, often one that has existed for some time.

- I didn't realize that the shop was closed on Mondays until I got there.
- Only after reviewing the year-end data did the board realize that their initial projections had been overly optimistic.

### 2. to make real

verb · CEFR B2

to make a dream, plan, or hope happen in real life.

For teachers: to convert an abstract idea, goal, or plan into reality.

- She finally realized her dream of opening her own bakery.
- The architect's vision was fully realized when the glass pavilion was completed ahead of the summer festival.

### 3. to sell for profit

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to sell something you own to get the money from it.

For teachers: to convert an asset or property into money, typically by selling it.

- The company had to sell its offices to realize its assets.
- The investors decided to realize their gains after the stock price hit an all-time high in the third quarter.

Usage: Often used with 'assets' or 'investments' as the direct object.

### 4. linguistics

verb · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

to make the actual sound of a letter or word when speaking.

For teachers: to give concrete form to an abstract linguistic unit, such as a phoneme, in actual speech.

- In some accents, the letter R is not realized at the end of words.
- The study examines how different social groups realize the dental fricative in informal conversation.

### 5. music

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to complete or perform a piece of music from a simple outline.

For teachers: to complete or flesh out a musical sketch or a figured bass, especially in Baroque music.

- The pianist had to realize the harmony from the composer's basic notes.
- The ensemble performed a newly realized version of the unfinished sonata, staying true to the composer's original style.

## Examples

- I suddenly realize that I left my keys at home.
- She did not realize how late it was until the sun began to set over the hills.
- The young architect hoped to realize her vision for a sustainable city center, though she knew the financial constraints would make the project difficult to complete.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.