realizeverb/ˈɹɪə.laɪz/

• 1

  To become aware of, understand, or appreciate (a fact or situation, especially something which has been true for some time).

  • He realized that he had left his umbrella on the train.
  • She desperately yelled at her young daughter, frantic to make her realize what she had done.
• 2

  To sense (something) strongly or vividly as if real.

  • Over the mind of the tourist, visiting the Old World for the first time,—countries where have transpired thrilling events recorded in history, what an immensity of thought and feeling sweeps! It was thus with Natalie; she could not realize that she was treading in the footsteps of royalty, who living in long past days, had held sway over this land, had looked upon this land of "merrie England" as their home.
  • That any civilized human being in this nineteenth century should not be aware that the earth travelled round the sun appeared to be to me such an extraordinary fact that I could hardly realize it.
• 3

  To cause (something) to seem real; to make realistic; specifically, to present (something) clearly to the mind, a person, (archaic) oneself, etc., so that it seems real.

  • Its true that Faith may be ſaid, as you ſpeak, to Realize ſalvation to the Soul; that is, vvhen the Soul doubteth vvhether there be indeed ſuch a Glory and Salvation to be expected and enjoyed by Believers, as Chriſt hath promiſed, here Faith apprehendeth it as Real or Certain, and ſo reſolves the doubt.
  • [T]rue Faith is ſuch as realizeth Things abſent, remote and future. That it is not the nearneſs of a thing makes it real; but Faith ſeeth a Thing to be real, though afar off; vvhen vve are apt to judge many times of the reality of things, becauſe they are near.
• 4

  To convert (something imaginary or planned, as a goal or idea) into reality; to bring into real existence, to make real.

  • Near-synonyms: implement, execute; actualize, materialize, embody; accomplish
  • The objectives of the project were never fully realized.
• 5

  To achieve (one's) potential.

• 6

  businessfinanceTo convert (an asset or property, especially investments such as bonds, shares, etc.) into a more easily usable form such as money, especially by selling the asset or property.

  • By realizing the company’s assets, the liquidator was able to return most of the shareholders’ investments.
  • Profits from the investment can be realized at any time by selling the shares.
• 7

  businessfinanceTo acquire (money, a profit, etc.) by selling an asset or property, through trade, etc.; also (followed by on), to make (money or a profit) on an investment, a venture, etc.

  • to realize large profits from a speculation
  • The tvvo Perſons here mentioned vvere of Quality, each of vvhom in the time of the Miſſiſipi deſpis'd to realize above three hundred thouſand pounds.
• 8

  businessfinanceOf an asset or property: to generate (a specific amount of money or interest) when invested or sold.