realistic

[ ree-uh-lis-tik ]

adjective

1. interested in, concerned with, or based on what is real or practical:

   a realistic estimate of costs; a realistic planner.

   Synonyms: common-sense, sensible, hardheaded, pragmatic

2. pertaining to, characterized by, or given to the representation in literature or art of things as they really are:

   a realistic novel.

3. resembling or simulating real life:

   a duck hunter skilled at making realistic decoys.

4. Philosophy. of or relating to realists or realism.

realistic

/ ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. showing awareness and acceptance of reality
2. practical or pragmatic rather than ideal or moral
3. (of a book, film, etc) depicting or emphasizing what is real and actual rather than abstract or ideal
4. of or relating to philosophical realism

Derived Forms

• ˌrealˈistically, adverb

Other Words From

• real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·real·istic adjective
• anti·real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• hyper·real·istic adjective
• nonre·al·istic adjective
• nonre·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• over·real·istic adjective
• over·real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• prore·al·istic adjective
• pseudo·real·istic adjective
• quasi-real·istic adjective
• quasi-real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• semi·real·istic adjective
• semi·real·isti·cal·ly adverb
• ultra·real·istic adjective
• unre·al·istic adjective
• unre·al·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of realistic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; realist + -ic

Example Sentences

Yet the existential crises facing our species — climate change, plastic pollution, the eradication of species — can only be solved through realistic solutions, like reducing emissions and protecting old growth forests.

From Salon

Many councils accept the need for more new homes – but they are concerned about whether the targets handed to each of the 317 authorities in England are realistic or achievable.

From BBC

Comparing yourself to others who might have had family support or different life circumstances isn’t fair to you — or realistic.

From Salon

To make that forecast, the historian conducted what he called “a more realistic assessment of domestic and global trends.”

From Salon

Snow says it's more important to her to be sustainable over the long-term, and be realistic with your expectations.

From BBC

Related Words

• businesslike
• down-to-earth
• practical
• pragmatic
• prudent
• rational
• real
• reasonable
• sane
• sensible
• sober