realize

Realize is a verb with several related meanings. It commonly means to become aware of something one did not previously know or understand. It can also mean to understand something clearly, or to bring a plan, dream, or potential into existence by action or implementation. In finance, realize can mean to convert an asset into cash or to recognize a gain from a transaction.

Etymology and spelling: The word comes from Latin realis, via Old French realiser and Middle English forms. In American English the spelling is realize; in British English the spelling is realise. The corresponding noun forms are realization (American) and realisation (British), used for the act or process of realizing.

Usage notes: Realize is typically used with that-clauses or with direct objects. Examples: "I realize that I made a mistake," "She realized her dream of becoming a doctor." In finance: "The firm realized a profit on the sale of the asset." In some technical contexts, realize can appear in phrases like realizing a model or representation, though this usage is more common in specialized fields.

See also: Realization, realisation; realizable.