realize
She finally realized she had left her keys at home.
She suddenly became aware that she had forgotten her keys.
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.
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
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Use 'realize' with phrases like 'realize the truth', 'realize the importance', or 'realize a dream'.
Tense Usage
Use the past tense ('realized') when describing a moment of sudden awareness.
Gold Rule
Awareness vs. Achievement
'Realize' can mean both becoming aware of something and achieving something, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'realisen', from Old French 'realiser', from Latin 'realis' (real) + '-ize' (verb suffix).
Usage Notes
Often used with 'that' or 'the fact that' to introduce the realization. Can be followed by a noun or a clause.