realize

verb/ˈriːəlaɪz/ 🔊 listen

realize is a trap: it usually does NOT mean “carry out/make happen”. It means “to become aware of, to notice, to grasp”. (To make happen → achieve / carry out.)

📖 Meanings

1to become aware of, notice
"I realized my mistake." — (become aware)
2to suddenly understand
"She realized he was right." — (grasp)
3TRAP: NOT 'carry out' → use achieve
"He achieved his dream. (NOT realized)" — (achieve = make happen)

🔄 Often confused

realize vs achieve →realize vs notice →realise vs realize →

💬 Phrases

I realized that...suddenly realizedidn't realize
❓ What does “I realized my mistake” mean?