re·al·ize (r???-l?z?)v. re·al·ized, re·al·iz·ing, re·al·iz·es v.tr.1. To comprehend completely or correctly.2. To bring into reality; make real: He finally realized his lifelong ambition to learn how to play the violin.3. To make realistic: a film that realizes court life of the 1600s.4. To obtain or achieve, as gain or profit: She realized a substantial return on the investment.5. To bring in (a sum) as profit by sale.v.intr. To exchange holdings or goods for money.[French réaliser, from Old French, from real, real; see real1.]re?al·iz?a·ble adj.re?al·iz?er n.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.