verb

realize

REE-uh-lyze/ˈriːəlaɪz/

To become aware of or clearly understand something.

The man realizes his missing glasses are resting on his head.

An older man searching for his glasses suddenly realizes they are perched on top of his head: his fingertips find the frames and his expression changes to amused recognition.

Etymology

reLatinthing, matter

+alLatinrelating to

+izeFrenchmake or cause to be

Built on the idea of making something real, this verb first meant bringing it into existence. The selected sense shifts to understanding clearly that something is a fact.

In context

TED5:38

I do think people have more power over what happens in their local community than they realize.

You Have More Power Than You Realize | Idea Knock Down | TED

More examples

I did not realize how late it was.
He has finally realized why the plan failed.
We are realizing how much work remains.

Forms

realize · realizes · realized · realizing

realization noun — A new or clear understanding

Similar words

recognize: Can mean identifying something already known rather than newly understanding.
grasp: Emphasizes understanding the meaning or importance of something.