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realize

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verb British English pronunciation: realize /ˈrɪəlaɪz/ 
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
    [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 upsetting for you, but it's for the best.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of realize
  2. 2
    [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.

    realize why/how etc:

    I've just realized how much I miss him.

    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 British English definition of realize. View American English definition of realize.

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