( BrE also real·ise ) / ˈriːəlaɪz; NAmE ; BrE also ˈrɪəl-/ verb
BE / BECOME AWARE
1.
(not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation :
[ v ( that )]
I didn't realize (that) you were so unhappy.
The moment I saw her, I realized something was wrong.
[ v wh- ]
I don't think you realize how important this is to her.
[ v ]
The situation was more complicated than they had at first realized.
They managed to leave without any of us realizing.
[ vn ]
I hope you realize the seriousness of this crime.
Only later did she realize her mistake.
[ vn that ]
There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone was safely back.
ACHIEVE STH
2.
[ vn ] to achieve sth important that you very much want to do :
She never realized her ambition of becoming a professional singer.
We try to help all students realize their full potential (= be as successful as they are able to be) .
HAPPEN
3.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] if sb's fears are realized , the things that they are afraid will happen, do happen :
His worst fears were realized when he saw that the door had been forced open.
SELL
4.
[ vn ] realize your assets ( formal ) to sell things that you own, for example property, in order to get the money that you need for sth
SYN convert
5.
[ vn ] ( formal ) ( of goods, etc. ) to be sold for a particular amount of money
SYN make :
The paintings realized $2 million at auction.
MAKE STH REAL
6.
[ vn ] ( formal ) to produce sth that can be seen or heard, based on written information or instructions :
The stage designs have been beautifully realized.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from real , on the pattern of French réaliser .