What does realised mean?
Realised is the past tense and past participle of the British verb realise, with realized used in American English. Its central meaning is to make something real: a plan, ambition, possibility, or expectation can be realised when it becomes an actual outcome. The word can also describe becoming aware of a fact or recognising that something is true, as in “I realised I had forgotten my keys.” As an adjective, realised is used when something has been brought into existence or converted into a measurable form, especially in financial language: realised gains are gains that have actually been obtained, while realised value is the value that has become definite or available. The word is useful because it connects intention with outcome. It is especially common in British formal and professional writing, although it is also perfectly natural in everyday speech. The corresponding American spelling is realized.
To bring a plan, idea, hope, or possibility into actuality; also, to become aware of or understand something as true.
"The organisers realised that the event could be made even more inclusive."
The active sense is usually transitive, while the sense of becoming aware is commonly followed by a clause introduced by “that”.
Made actual, recognised, or converted into a definite or measurable form.
"The company reported a substantial increase in realised profit."
This form is particularly common in financial and commercial contexts.
A plan can be dreamed up in seconds, but realising it is where the difficult work begins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does realised come from?
Realise entered English from French réaliser, which was based on a Medieval Latin formation related to Latin realis, meaning “actual” or “genuine.” The sense of making an idea or plan actual developed from this idea of bringing something into reality. The British form realised and the American form realized reflect parallel spellings of the same Latin-derived word.
Related word forms
How realised is actually used
Realised is common in British English and is especially frequent in formal, administrative, and financial contexts. In American English, realized is normally preferred.
Easily confused with realised
Realised is the British spelling, while realized is the usual American spelling; both normally have the same pronunciation and meaning.