What is realize? Pronunciation and usage in English

realize means . Learn how to pronounce and use realize through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of realize

realizeverb

/ˈrɪəlʌɪz/
Definition & pronunciation of realize

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "realize." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more detailed explanation:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈriːaɪlɪz

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ˈriː - This is where a lot of people stumble. It’s a fairly long "r" sound followed by a diphthong (a gliding vowel sound).
    • ˈriː – Think of the "r" as a slightly rolled "r" (like in Spanish or Scottish English), but it doesn't have to be a full roll. It should be a quick, subtle "r" sound. Then, you say "ee" as in the word "see." It’s a slightly elongated “ee” sound.
  • aɪ - This is a diphthong, meaning two vowel sounds blended together. It’s the same sound you make when you say “eye.”
  • lɪz - This is a very quick “l” sound followed by the "ih" sound as in "bit."

3. Putting it all together - A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start with a quick, subtle "r" sound. (Like a fast "d" sound)
  2. Say "ee" (as in "see").
  3. Blend in the "eye" sound (as in "eye").
  4. Quickly add the "l" sound.
  5. Finish with the "z" sound (as in "zebra").

4. Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them:

  • Overly pronounced “r”: Many people pronounce the “r” like the “r” in “red.” This is too strong. It needs to be quick and subtle.
  • Saying "real-ize" separately: Don’t pause between “real” and “ize.” It’s one word.
  • Shortening the “ee” sound: Make sure you hold the "ee" sound for a bit longer than you might naturally do in other words.

5. Listen to Examples:

  • Google: Search "how to pronounce realize" on Google and listen to several audio examples from different speakers.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/realize/ This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words in various accents.

Resources to Help:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (This helps me understand where your pronunciation habits might be coming from.)
  • What specifically are you struggling with when saying the word? (e.g., the "r," the "ee" sound, the blending?)

Usage and examples with the word realize in English

Let's break down how to use the word "realize" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation, categorized for clarity:

1. To Become Aware (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means to suddenly understand something, become conscious of a fact, or recognize something that was previously unnoticed.
  • Structure: “I realize that…” / “I realized that…” / “He realized…”
  • Examples:
    • "I realized that I'd left my keys at home." (Suddenly understood a fact)
    • "I realize now how much I miss my family." (Became increasingly aware)
    • "She realized she was completely lost." (Recognized a situation)

2. To Come to Terms With (Accept)

  • Meaning: To accept a difficult or unpleasant reality. It implies a process of coming to terms with something.
  • Structure: “I realize that…” / “I realized that…”
  • Examples:
    • "I realized that my dreams were unlikely to come true.” (Accepted a disappointing fact)
    • “He realized he couldn't change the past, and had to accept it.” (Accepted a difficult truth)

3. To Manufacture or Make (Realize – as a verb)

  • Meaning: To create or produce something, often with effort or skill. This usage is less common in everyday conversation but important to know.
  • Structure: “I realized a sculpture from clay."
  • Example: “The artist realized a stunning bronze statue.” (Created)

4. Realize (as a phrasal verb – to achieve)

  • Meaning: To accomplish something; to make something happen.
  • Structure: “I realized my goal.” / “They realized their dream.”
  • Examples:
    • "I realized my dream of traveling the world." (Achieved it)
    • “The company realized significant profits this quarter.” (Achieved a financial result)

Key Differences & Synonyms

Feature Realize Understand Accept Achieve
Focus Awareness Comprehension Coming to terms Accomplishment
Example “I realized I was wrong.” “I understand now.” “I realize it’s too late.” “I realized my goal.”

Tips for Using "Realize" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the sentence’s meaning to determine which “realize” is being used.
  • “Realize” vs. “Recognize”: “Recognize” often implies a prior awareness; “realize” suggests a sudden understanding or grasping of something new. (Example: "I recognized my friend in the crowd." vs. "I realized I hadn't seen my friend in years.")
  • “Understand” offers a simpler way: If you just mean to comprehend something, “understand” is often a clearer choice.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you working with? (e.g., a specific essay, a conversation, a general learning exercise?)
  • Is there a particular sentence you’re struggling with where you've used "realize"?

Synonyms for the word realize

Practice with vocabulary realize

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Upon seeing the error in the report, the manager __________ the potential consequences for the department.
  2. The board decided to __________ a new policy aimed at improving employee satisfaction.
  3. Before starting any new venture, one must __________ that success often requires significant perseverance.
  4. Despite numerous explanations, the trainee struggled to fully __________ the intricate details of the new software.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. It took him several weeks to truly __________ the full impact of his decision on the project's timeline. a) perceive b) comprehend c) realize d) acknowledge

  2. The company aims to __________ its vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable technology. a) achieve b) actualize c) realize d) accomplish

  3. Upon reviewing the data, the research team __________ that their initial hypothesis was incorrect. a) discerned b) inferred c) realized d) deduced

  4. Even after years, he could still __________ her voice immediately. a) identify b) realize c) distinguish d) recognize

  5. It took a significant effort for the students to fully __________ the complex philosophical concepts. a) apprehend b) absorb c) perceive d) realize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was only when I saw the presentation slides that I understood the full scope of the budget cuts.

    • Rewrite beginning with "I only...":

  2. The project aims to make the full benefits of renewable energy a concrete reality for remote communities.

    • Rewrite beginning with "The project aims to help remote communities...":

  3. The team decided to put the new strategic plan into effect starting next quarter.

    • Rewrite beginning with "Starting next quarter, the team plans to...":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Upon seeing the error in the report, the manager realized the potential consequences for the department.
  2. The board decided to implement a new policy aimed at improving employee satisfaction.
  3. Before starting any new venture, one must realize that success often requires significant perseverance.
  4. Despite numerous explanations, the trainee struggled to fully comprehend the intricate details of the new software.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) realize
  2. a) achieve, b) actualize, c) realize, d) accomplish
  3. c) realized
  4. a) identify, c) distinguish, d) recognize
  5. a) apprehend, b) absorb

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I only realized the full scope of the budget cuts when I saw the presentation slides.
  2. The project aims to help remote communities realize the full benefits of renewable energy.
  3. Starting next quarter, the team plans to implement the new strategic plan.

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