Definition

Adverb: 1. In a realistic manner; in a way that is based on facts and what is possible rather than hopes or ideas. It describes thinking, assessing, or representing things as they truly are, acknowledging practical limitations. 2. In a way that is true to life; in art or literature, representing things as they are in real life. It describes a style of depiction that accurately mirrors reality.

Usage Examples

• Assessing a situation practically:
  • We need to look at our budget realistically before planning the trip.
  • "Can we finish this by Friday?" "Realistically, no. We'll need until next Tuesday."
• Depicting something in a true-to-life way:
  • The special effects made the dragon look realistically terrifying.
  • The novel portrays the hardships of war very realistically.

Advanced Usage

• "To be realistic" vs. "Realistically": While related, "to be realistic" is often used to introduce a pragmatic opinion ("To be realistic, we should postpone."). "Realistically" functions more directly as an adverb modifying a verb or a whole clause ("We should realistically assess our chances.").
• Sentence-modifying adverb: "Realistically" is often used at the beginning of a sentence to frame the perspective of the entire statement that follows.
  • Realistically speaking, the project has a low chance of success.

Variants and Related Words

• Realistic (adjective): Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected; representing things in a way that is accurate and true to life.
  • She has realistic goals for her first year in business.
  • The movie's characters are very realistic.
• Realism (noun): The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly; the quality or fact of representing a person, thing, or situation accurately in art or literature.
• Realist (noun): A person who accepts a situation as it is and deals with it accordingly.

Synonyms

• Practically
• Sensibly
• Pragmatically
• Reasonably

Antonyms

• Unrealistically
• Impractically
• Idealisitically
• Naively

Related Phrases

• Look at/see/view something realistically: To consider or assess something based on facts and practical possibilities.
  • You must look at the problem realistically to find a solution.
• Realistically speaking: Used to introduce a statement that is based on a practical, factual perspective.
  • Realistically speaking, we cannot expect immediate results.

Adverb

1. in a realistic manner
   • the figure was realistically painted
2. in a realistic manner
   • let's look at the situation realistically