from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Realize \Re"al*ize\ (r[=e]"al*[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Realized} (-[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Realizing}
(-[imac]`z[i^]ng).] [Cf. F. r['e]aliser.]
1. To make real; to convert from the imaginary or fictitious
into the actual; to bring into concrete existence; to
effectuate; to accomplish; as, to realize a scheme or
project.
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We realize what Archimedes had only in hypothesis,
weighing a single grain against the globe of earth.
--Glanvill.
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2. To cause to seem real; to impress upon the mind as actual;
to feel vividly or strongly; to make one's own in
apprehension or experience.
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Many coincidences . . . soon begin to appear in them
[Greek inscriptions] which realize ancient history
to us. --Jowett.
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We can not realize it in thought, that the object .
. . had really no being at any past moment. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
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3. To convert into real property; to make real estate of; as,
to realize his fortune.
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4. To acquire as an actual possession; to obtain as the
result of plans and efforts; to gain; to get; as, to
realize large profits from a speculation.
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Knighthood was not beyond the reach of any man who
could by diligent thrift realize a good estate.
--Macaulay.
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5. To convert into actual money; as, to realize assets.
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