American English

How to pronounce realization

nounB2
REEluhZAYshn

/ˈɹi.ləˈzeɪ.ʃn̩/

4 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

A moment when you suddenly understand or become aware of something important.

What to listen for

In realization, the strongest beat is on “-zay-”: rea-li-ZAY-shun.

Common pronunciation/ˌɹi.ləˈzeɪ.ʃn̩/
Full-vowel alternate/ˌɹi.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃn̩/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

A moment when you suddenly understand or become aware of something important.

The realization that I was lost came too late.

She had a sudden realization about her mistake.

Good to know

In this sense, Spanish usually uses darse cuenta or toma de conciencia, not realización.

Common phrases & grammar

sudden realization · painful realization · come to the realization

the realization that + subject + verb

come to the realization that + subject + verb

noun

The act of making a plan, goal, or dream happen in real life.

The award marked the realization of her dream.

Hard work led to the realization of their goal.

Common phrases & grammar

realization of a dream · realization of a goal · full realization of potential

the realization of + a/the + goal/dream/plan

the full realization of someone's potential

Useful expressions

Related words & forms

American English usually spells this word with -z-: realization. British English often spells it realisation.