Reading Theme:
Realistic: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：practical and fact-based (realistic)
realistic
/ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk/
adj.
Being able to see and accept things as they really are, and making plans or decisions based on facts, not on hopes that are very unlikely to happen.
practical and fact-based
➕
/ˈpræktɪkəl ənd ˈfækt ˌbeɪst/
adj.
Describing an attitude, plan, or decision that is sensible and grounded in actual facts, avoiding unrealistic hopes or expectations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'real' (Latin 'realis', actual) + suffix '-istic' (pertaining to).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'real is tick' – if it's real, it ticks the box of being true and practical.
📖 Example
My career coach advised me to set realistic goals for my first year in the industry, rather than aiming for a promotion immediately.
My career coach recommended establishing achievable objectives for the initial year instead of immediately targeting a promotion.
🔗 Collocations
realistic goal – an objective that is achievable and based on actual circumstances
realistic expectation – an anticipation that considers practical possibilities
realistic approach – a method that accounts for real-world constraints
🔄 Synonyms
practical (adj.) – concerned with actual use or practice rather than theory
sensible (adj.) – showing good judgment and reason based on facts
down-to-earth (adj.) – practical and realistic, not influenced by unrealistic ideas
🚫 Antonyms
idealistic (adj.) – guided by high ideals rather than practical considerations
unrealistic (adj.) – not based on facts or likely to happen
impractical (adj.) – not sensible or realistic in application
🌱 Derivatives
realistically (adv.) – in a practical and fact-based manner
realism (n.) – the attitude of accepting situations as they are
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'realis' via 'real'. Gained prominence in 19th-century Realism art movement, emphasizing accurate depiction of everyday life without idealization.
Meaning 2：lifelike or authentic (realistic)
realistic
/ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk/
adj.
Looking, sounding, or seeming like something that is real or true, often used to describe art, movies, or descriptions.
lifelike or authentic
➕
/ˈlaɪflaɪk ɔr ɔˈθɛntɪk/
adj.
Referring to something that closely resembles or imitates reality, often in art, film, or descriptions, creating a convincing illusion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The special effects in that dinosaur movie were so realistic that I felt like I was actually back in the prehistoric era.
The visual effects in that dinosaur film were incredibly authentic, making me feel as if I had traveled back to prehistoric times.
🔗 Collocations
realistic portrayal – a depiction that accurately represents real-life subjects
realistic effect – an illusion that closely mimics the real world
realistic style – an artistic manner emphasizing lifelike qualities
🔄 Synonyms
authentic (adj.) – genuine and true to life in appearance or sound
lifelike (adj.) – resembling real life very closely in detail
naturalistic (adj.) – depicting nature realistically without idealization
🚫 Antonyms
unrealistic (adj.) – not resembling reality; implausible
stylized (adj.) – represented in a non-realistic manner for artistic effect
abstract (adj.) – not representing actual objects or scenes; conceptual
🌱 Derivatives
realism (n.) – the style of representing subjects as they appear in real life
realistically (adv.) – in a manner that imitates reality convincingly
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser