Realistic Meaning and Definition

Realistic

Realistic

Pronunciation

/riˈælɪstɪk/

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Accurate or faithful in representation or likeness; depicting or showing things as they really are.

Examples

  • The special effects in the movie were incredibly realistic.
  • The artist’s realistic portrait of her mother was impressively detailed.

Synonyms

  • Literal
  • Vivid
  • Authentic

Antonyms

  • Imaginary
  • Idealized
  • Fanciful

Etymology

The word “realistic” comes from the Latin “realis,” meaning “true” or “actual.”

Usage Notes

When using “realistic” to describe something, it’s essential to consider the context and the intended audience. Be mindful of subtlety, as excessive use can be condescending or patronizing.

Cultural References

In popular culture, “realistic” has been used in various contexts, such as in film and television to describe realistic portrayals of social issues or historical events.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Realistic” can be used in idiomatic expressions like “trying to be too realistic” to convey the idea of overdoing something.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Realism
  • Vividness
  • Accuracy

Collocations

  • Realistic expectations
  • Realistic portrayal
  • Realistic representation

Frequency of Use

“Realistic” is a commonly used word in everyday language, particularly in discussions about art, literature, and media.

Common Misspellings

  • Realist
  • Realest

Related Words