Realize Meaning

UK /ˈrɪəlaɪz/
US /ˈrɪəˌlaɪz/
Word Definition
realize meaning

Realize Definition & Usage

verb

To become aware of or understand something, often after a period of time or contemplation.

Examples

  • "She didn't realize how much her parents had sacrificed for her until she was older."
  • "I only realized I had forgotten my keys when I got to the door."
  • "It took him a while to realize that his friend had been lying to him."
  • "After the meeting, he realized that he needed to change his approach."
  • "I didn't realize how big the problem was until I saw the numbers."
verb

To make something actual or bring it into being, particularly in the sense of achieving or accomplishing a goal.

Examples

  • "After years of planning, they finally realized their dream of opening a restaurant."
  • "She worked hard to realize her ambitions of becoming a doctor."
  • "The new policy will help realize the government's goal of reducing emissions."
  • "With his dedication, he was able to realize his potential as a leader."
  • "By the end of the year, the company aims to realize a significant profit."

Cultural Context

The verb 'realize' has been used in English for centuries, originally meaning to make real or to actualize. Over time, it has evolved to include meanings related to both awareness and achievement. In modern usage, it is common to see it used in both personal and professional contexts, particularly when discussing goals, realizations, or personal growth.

The Road to Realization

Story

The Road to Realization

Maggie had always dreamed of being a writer. Ever since she was young, she'd jot down ideas in notebooks, sketching characters and building worlds in the margins of her schoolwork. But it wasn't until she found herself sitting in a small coffee shop years later, struggling to pay rent and work multiple part-time jobs, that the true depth of her dream began to hit her. She had always thought that one day, she'd 'realize' her goal of becoming a successful author, but it wasn't until this moment that she truly understood what that meant. As she stared at her laptop, the words felt distant. She had the story in her head, but somehow, translating it into something real was far more challenging than she'd ever anticipated. Maggie had been so focused on the distant dream that she had never realized the steps she needed to take to bring it into reality. After hours of thought and reflection, she decided to face the harsh truth: she was going to have to sacrifice more than just time. She had to commit herself completely, and she had to do so without expecting instant success. The next few months were filled with sleepless nights, relentless edits, and numerous rejections. But Maggie didn't give up. Slowly, the ideas that had once seemed abstract began to take shape. She 'realized' her potential as a writer when she saw her first short story published in a local magazine. She had always known that writing was her calling, but it wasn't until she took the plunge and faced her fears that she truly 'realized' what it would take to make that dream a reality. Years later, Maggie stood in front of a crowd at her book launch, looking out at the sea of faces that had come to see her success. She had always hoped for this moment, but now that it had arrived, it felt even sweeter than she'd imagined. She had realized her goal—every rejection, every sleepless night, had been worth it. She knew, now more than ever, that the journey was just as important as the destination.

The Road to Realization