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realize

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verb American English pronunciation: realize /ˈriəˌlaɪz/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyrealize
he/she/itrealizes
present participlerealizing
past tenserealized
past participlerealized
Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

  1. 1
    [transitive] to gradually begin to understand something that you did not know or notice before

    I soon realized my mistake.

    realize (that):

    It was some time before he realized he'd offended them.

    She realized with growing dismay that the man was drunk.

    realize why/how etc.:

    I now realize how much I miss him.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of realize
  2. 2
    [intransitive/transitive] to know and understand something

    Almost without realizing it, he began to sing.

    realize (that):

    It's important to realize that this situation is only temporary.

    realize what/how etc.:

    At the time I never even realized how unhappy I was.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of realize
    1. a.
      used for showing someone that you understand their feelings

      We realize that this is difficult for you to accept, but it's for the best.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of realize
  3. 3
    [transitive] formal to achieve something that you have planned or hoped for

    Their expectations of huge profits were never fully realized.

    realize a goal/dream/ambition etc.:

    He finally realized his boyhood ambition to become a dancer.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of realize

phrases

This is the American English definition of realize. View British English definition of realize.

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