Realistic Meaning

UK /rɪəˈlɪstɪk/
US /rɪəˈlɪstɪk/
Word Definition
realistic meaning

Realistic Definition & Usage

adjective

Representing or resembling the real world, especially in terms of accuracy or natural detail.

Examples

  • "The movie's special effects were so realistic that I felt like I was in the action."
  • "Her painting of the countryside was incredibly realistic, capturing every detail of the landscape."
  • "He gave a realistic portrayal of life in the city, including both its beauty and its challenges."
  • "The virtual reality game provided a realistic experience of flying a plane."
  • "The architect designed a realistic model of the new building, complete with accurate materials and textures."
adjective

Being sensible, practical, and based on a realistic understanding of what is achievable or likely to happen.

Examples

  • "The team set realistic goals for the project, knowing they had limited time and resources."
  • "She had a realistic outlook on life, understanding that success takes time and effort."
  • "It's important to have a realistic approach to budgeting, especially when you're living on a tight income."
  • "The manager's realistic view of the company's future helped keep expectations in check."
  • "Rather than hoping for an unrealistic solution, we decided to take a more realistic approach to solving the problem."

Cultural Context

The term 'realistic' comes from the Latin word 'realis,' meaning 'real or actual.' It has evolved over time to describe artistic movements like Realism, which began in the 19th century and focused on depicting everyday life in a truthful and accurate manner. In modern contexts, the word is often used to describe things that are practical, feasible, or based on actual experience or data.

A Realistic Dream

Story

A Realistic Dream

Sophia had always been fascinated by the idea of traveling the world, but she knew that her dream wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. A realist at heart, she had learned early on that aspirations needed to be tempered with practical steps. So, when she was offered a chance to work as an architect in a prestigious firm, Sophia felt both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. She had designed many buildings in her mind, but now it was time to translate those visions into something real. One day, her boss, Mr. Thompson, asked her to lead a new project—designing a community center for a neighborhood in need. Sophia’s first instinct was to jump in with creative ideas that were beautiful and innovative, but then she remembered her realistic approach to life. She needed to design something that was not just visionary, but also practical, within budget, and feasible for construction. She spent days sketching ideas, making sure that each design detail was not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and cost-effective. She talked with local contractors to understand the limitations of the land and the materials available. The final design was a perfect balance of modern architecture and sustainable, realistic use of resources. On the day the proposal was presented, Sophia felt proud. The board was impressed with the realism of her design—how it not only fulfilled the community’s needs but also respected their budget and environment. "This is exactly what we need," said Mr. Thompson. "You have created something that’s both inspiring and realistic." Sophia realized that she had achieved her dream, but she had done it step by step, with a clear, realistic vision guiding her every move. As she walked out of the meeting, she felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that her practical approach had led her to success.

A Realistic Dream