adjective
realistic
Accurately reflecting reality or practical possibilities.
We set a realistic budget based on our monthly income.
Etymology
Real concerns actual existence. Realistic describes an account or expectation that fits those actual conditions rather than an imagined or idealized version.
More examples
- The painting shows a realistic view of city life.
- Finishing by Friday seems realistic if everyone helps.
- She has realistic expectations about how quickly she can recover.
Forms
realistic · more realistic · most realistic
realistically adverb — In a way that reflects reality.
Similar words
- practical
- Emphasizes usefulness or workability rather than accurate representation.
- lifelike
- Emphasizes resemblance to real appearance rather than practical possibilities.
- believable
- Means convincing or credible, without necessarily being factually accurate.