realization

[ ree-uh-luh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the making or being made real of something imagined, planned, etc.
2. the result of such a process:

   The new church was the realization of a ten-year dream.

3. the act of realizing or the state of being realized.
4. an instance or result of realizing.
5. Music.
   1. the act of realizing a figured bass.
   2. a printed score of a realized figured bass.

Other Words From

• nonre·al·i·zation noun
• prere·al·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of realization¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French réalisation; equivalent to realize + -ation

Example Sentences

What is so hard about this moment is the realization that there is going to be a much darker challenge before us, and things are going to veer further away from what we want to ultimately achieve before we can turn that corner.

From Slate

“We then timed those collapses or those deflations to the moments where truth bursts the son’s bubble, which is moments of realization. That is the realization that everything he’s learned from his parents is a lie.”

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s a realization that it’s not a weakness, it’s a superpower, and emotional intelligence is sexy.”

From Los Angeles Times

But the sentimental meaning behind its realization was a surprise, and is among the reasons why Agatha’s story is more than just a witch’s tale.

From Salon

Shattered by the realization that she was right, Kanno left behind his high-flying life and opened Seems Hair and Spa in 2010.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• achievement
• awareness
• fulfillment
• understanding