To realize means to suddenly understand something clearly, often something you did not notice before. It can also mean to make something real or happen in practice, like realizing a plan or dream.
It comes from French “réaliser,” from “réel” (real) and the suffix “-iser” (to make), based on Late Latin “realis.” The mental sense of “become aware” developed in English in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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