Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Accurately representing what is real or true: Describing something that depicts or deals with things as they actually are in life, without idealization or exaggeration.
   • Having a sensible and practical understanding of situations: Accepting and dealing with situations or possibilities in a practical way based on facts, not on hopes or illusions.
   • (Philosophy) Relating to realism: Of or pertaining to the philosophical doctrine that universals or abstract concepts have an objective or absolute existence.

Examples of Usage

• Accurately representing reality:
  • The movie's special effects were so realistic that the monsters seemed terrifyingly real.
  • She paints realistic portraits that capture every detail of her subjects.
• Having a practical understanding:
  • You need to be realistic about your chances of winning the lottery.
  • After assessing the budget, the manager set a realistic goal for the team.
• (Philosophy):
  • The philosopher defended a realistic interpretation of mathematical objects.

Advanced Usage

• "painfully realistic": describing something that is so accurate in depicting reality that it causes discomfort or sadness.
  • The documentary offered a painfully realistic look at life in the refugee camp.
• "realistic expectation": a hope or belief about a future outcome that is based on practical and likely possibilities.
  • Setting realistic expectations is key to avoiding disappointment.

Variants and Related Words

• Realist (n): A person who accepts and deals with situations as they really are, or an artist or writer whose work is characterized by realism.
  • As a realist, she focused on practical solutions.
• Realism (n): The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly, or the quality in art/literature of representing subjects truthfully.
  • His novels are celebrated for their gritty realism.
• Realistically (adv): In a way that shows a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.
  • Realistically, we cannot finish the project by Friday.

Synonyms

• Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations.
• Naturalistic: Derived from real life or nature, or imitating it very closely (especially in art/literature).
• Down-to-earth: Sensible and practical, with no pretensions.

Antonyms

• Idealistic: Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection.
• Unrealistic: Not showing or accepting things as they are; not based on facts or what is likely to happen.
• Fanciful: Over-imaginative and unrealistic.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A dose of realism: An introduction of practical, sometimes unwelcome, facts into a situation.
  • The failed prototype served as a dose of realism for the over-enthusiastic team.
• In realistic terms: When considering the actual facts and practical possibilities of a situation.
  • In realistic terms, the company cannot expand without significant investment.

Adjective

1. of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of realism
   • a realistic system of thought
2. representing what is real; not abstract or ideal
   • realistic portraiture
   • a realistic novel
   • in naturalistic colors
   • the school of naturalistic writers
3. aware or expressing awareness of things as they really are
   • a realistic description
   • a realistic view of the possibilities
   • a realistic appraisal of our chances
   • the actors tried to create a realistic portrayal of the Africans