realize
Definitions
To become aware of something as a fact; to understand clearly
意识到；认识到；清楚地理解
To make something (a plan, dream, or goal) actually happen
实现，使（计划、梦想、目标）成真
To obtain or make (a profit or sum of money), especially by selling something
（尤指通过出售）获得、赚得（利润或款项）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedreal + -ize (to make) = literally 'to make real.' One word, two directions. Outward: turn a plan or dream into an actual thing — realize a goal, realize a profit. Inward: make a fact real in your own mind — suddenly grasp it as true ('I realized I was wrong'). The mental sense is now the most common, but it grew straight out of 'make real': the fact becomes real to you.
Root real still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
- Awareness (most common): realize that... / realize how... — followed by a clause: I realized that I was wrong.
- Achievement (formal): realize a dream / potential / ambition — make something come true.
- Finance (formal): realize a profit / assets — turn into cash.
- Spelling: American English uses realize; British English usually writes realise (same word, same meanings).
Example Sentences
- 1.
Halfway home, I realized I had left my keys at the office.
- 2.
It took her years of hard work to realize her dream of opening a bakery.
- 3.
They realized a large profit by selling the land at the right time.
- 4.
Do you realize how late it is?
Easily Confused
realize vs. recognize — both can mean 'become aware,' but realize is about grasping a fact or truth ('I realized I was late'), while recognize is about identifying something already known ('I recognized her voice'). You realize that something is the case; you recognize who or what something is.