B1verbUK spelling: realisepsychologyemotions
US/ˈriː.ə.laɪz/
UK/ˈriː.ə.laɪz/
to understand or notice something, often suddenly; also to make a hope or plan happen
In context
I didn't realize how late it was until the buses stopped running.
She realized her mistake as soon as she opened the email.
It took years for him to realize his dream of opening a restaurant.
Words that go with realize
verb + noun
- realize the importance ofFew people realize the importance of sleep.
- realize your mistakeYou will realize your mistake when the bill arrives.
- realize your potentialYou will realize your potential if you keep practicing every day.
- realize a dreamShe finally realized her dream of becoming a pilot.
adverb + verb
- suddenly realizeI suddenly realized I had left my keys at home.
- fully realizeThey did not fully realize the danger.
verb + adverb
- realize too lateMany people realize too late that they needed a plan.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I realized about my mistake.Correct: I realized my mistake.