realist

[ ree-uh-list ]

noun

1. a person who tends to view or represent things as they really are.
2. an artist or a writer whose work is characterized by realism.
3. Philosophy. an adherent of realism.

adjective

1. of or relating to realism or to a person who embodies its principles or practices:

   the realist approach to social ills;

   realist paintings.

ˈrealist

/ ˈrɪəlɪst /

noun

1. a person who is aware of and accepts the physical universe, events, etc, as they are; pragmatist
2. an artist or writer who seeks to represent the familiar or typical in real life rather than an idealized, formalized, or romantic interpretation
3. philosophy a person who accepts realism
4. modifier of, relating to, or characteristic of realism or realists in the arts, philosophy, etc

   a realist school

Other Words From

• anti·real·ist noun adjective
• hyper·real·ist noun
• non·real·ist noun
• pro·real·ist adjective noun
• ultra·real·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of realist¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; real ¹ + -ist; compare French réaliste

Example Sentences

As for others still held, Mr Viacorka said: "I dream of the moment my friends and colleagues are released. But I am a realist."

From BBC

I am a realist committed to democracy and the hard work it takes to protect it.

From Salon

The idealist in me wanted to believe Jill could be right, but the realist in me wasn’t convinced.

From Los Angeles Times

Even committed realists can work within the musical genre, with an entirely diegetic score and a narrative framed around a concert or a performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Separately on Monday, Mr Shapps said he was a "realist" and would not "try and pretend black is white" by claiming the Conservatives are on course for victory.

From BBC