Realizes – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb “realizes” refers to the act of becoming aware of something or coming to understand a truth after thoughtful consideration or experience. It can also mean to make something come true, such as realizing a dream or goal.
Grammatical Forms:
- Base Form: realize
- Third Person Singular Present: realizes (e.g., “He realizes the importance.”)
- Past Tense: realized (e.g., “She realized her mistake.”)
- Present Participle/Gerund: realizing (e.g., “Realizing his potential, he pursued further education.”)
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| comprehends | Understanding something deeply and clearly. | “She comprehends the complexities of the situation well.” | Formal/Academic |
| grasps | Understands or becomes aware of something quickly. | “He grasped the concept after one explanation.” | Informal/Casual |
| perceives | Becomes aware through the senses, especially sight. | “The artist perceives subtle shifts in light and shadow.” | Artistic/Literary |
| apprehends | Understands or becomes conscious of something. | “She quickly apprehended the danger.” | Formal/Sophisticated |
| discerns | Recognizes differences; to perceive or realize by careful observation. | “He discerns nuances in people’s behavior that others miss.” | Analytical/Intellectual |
Usage Notes
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Comprehends: This synonym is ideal for formal writing and academic settings where a deeper understanding is conveyed. It implies thorough knowledge.
Example: In business reports, you might say, “The team comprehended the implications of the new policy.”
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Grasps: Suitable for informal contexts, including casual conversation or creative writing, indicating quick or intuitive understanding.
Example: A mentor in a novel might note, “He grasped my advice instantly.”
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Perceives: Commonly used in artistic and literary contexts to emphasize sensory awareness. It’s also useful in descriptive writing.
Example: In an art critique, one could say, “The viewer perceives emotion through the brush strokes.”
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Apprehends: Often found in sophisticated or formal language, it implies not only understanding but sometimes a realization of something impending or urgent.
Example: Legal documents might state, “He apprehended the gravity of his actions.”
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Discerns: This term is best used when highlighting careful observation or differentiation. It’s appropriate for intellectual discussions or analytical writing.
Example: An academic paper might observe, “The researcher discerned patterns in the data.”
Common Pitfalls
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Confusion Between ‘Grasps’ and ‘Perceives’: While both imply understanding, ‘grasps’ is about cognitive awareness while ‘perceives’ often involves sensory input.
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Misuse of ‘Apprehends’: It can be confused with apprehension (a feeling of fear), but as a synonym for “realizes,” it focuses on understanding rather than emotion.
Final Recap
“Realizes” and its synonyms—comprehends, grasps, perceives, apprehends, and discerns—each convey different nuances of becoming aware or making something known. Understanding these differences enriches your vocabulary, allowing you to choose the most appropriate word for any context. Try using each synonym in sentences relevant to their styles or registers to enhance both your written and spoken expression. Practice will deepen your understanding of when and how to apply them effectively.