realize

/ˈriːəlaɪz/

to become aware of something

She finally realized she had left her keys at home.

She suddenly became aware that she had forgotten her keys.

general

to become aware of or understand something

I realized my mistake as soon as I read the email.

I understood my error immediately after reading the email.

He realized the importance of the project.

He became aware of how significant the project was.

Often used when someone gains sudden awareness or understanding.

general

to achieve or accomplish something

She realized her dream of becoming a doctor.

She achieved her goal of becoming a doctor.

Less common usage, often in the context of achieving goals.

Collocations

realize the importanceto understand how significant something isrealize a dreamto achieve a long-held ambitionrealize the truthto become aware of the facts

Use 'realize' with phrases like 'realize the truth', 'realize the importance', or 'realize a dream'.

Use the past tense ('realized') when describing a moment of sudden awareness.

'Realize' can mean both becoming aware of something and achieving something, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.

From Middle English 'realisen', from Old French 'realiser', from Latin 'realis' (real) + '-ize' (verb suffix).

Often used with 'that' or 'the fact that' to introduce the realization. Can be followed by a noun or a clause.

real

true, actual

root

-ize

to make or become

suffix

English Dictionary