Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who represents things as they are in reality: A "realist" is someone who prefers to see, understand, and represent the world in a practical and factual way, without idealization or excessive optimism.
   • An adherent of the philosophical doctrine of realism: In philosophy, a "realist" is someone who believes that certain concepts, universals, or the external world have an objective existence independent of the human mind.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • As a realist, she focused on the practical challenges of the project rather than its idealistic goals.
  • The 19th-century novelist was a literary realist, depicting the lives of ordinary people with stark accuracy.
  • In the debate, the realist argued that moral values exist independently of human opinion.

Advanced Usage

• Political Realist: In international relations, a person who believes that state behavior is primarily driven by self-interest and power.

  • The diplomat was a political realist who prioritized national security over ideological alliances.

• Magical Realist: While this is a compound term, it contrasts with the core meaning. It refers to an artist or writer who incorporates magical elements into an otherwise realistic setting. This is listed here to clarify a common point of contrast, not as a definition of "realist" itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Realistic (adj): Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.
  • She made a realistic assessment of the budget.
• Realism (n): The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly; also, the artistic or philosophical doctrine centered on representing reality.
  • His realism was refreshing amidst all the hype.

Synonyms

• Pragmatist: A person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals.
• Hardheaded person: A shrewd, unsentimental, and practical person.

Antonyms

• Idealist: A person who is guided more by ideals than by practical considerations.
• Romantic: A person who is idealized, unrealistic, or adventurous in thought or outlook.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have a realist's view: To possess a perspective grounded in practical facts.
  • Taking a realist's view, the economic recovery will be slow.

Noun

1. a painter who represents the world realistically and not in an idealized or romantic style
2. a person who accepts the world as it literally is and deals with it accordingly
3. a philosopher who believes that universals are real and exist independently of anyone thinking of them