Words / A2

REERL-yz/ˈrɪəlaɪz/

To realise is to understand something you did not know before: I realised I was late, realise that…, suddenly realise. British spelling is realise; American is realize. Notice is seeing with your eyes; realise is understanding in your mind. Realise is not the same as make real — that is later, achieve or make happen. Do not write “I realised about it” — say I realised it or I realised that…

Meaning

To understand something that you did not know before.

Examples

• “I realised I had left my keys at home.”
• “He realised he had taken the wrong bag.”
• “I did not realise the shop closed at five.”

Good to know

realise that… / realise + noun. British: realise. Contrast: notice = see.

Near in meaning

understand

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