Actualize vs. Realise: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Actualize means to make something real or bring it into existence, often used in the context of achieving goals or potential. Realise, spelled "realize" in American English, means to become fully aware of something or to make something real or concrete.
Key Differences
Actualize means to make something real, typically referring to the fulfillment of potential or the implementation of plans and ideas. It often implies a process of bringing abstract concepts or aspirations into tangible reality. Realise (realize in American English) primarily means to become fully aware or conscious of something. It can also mean to achieve or make something real, similar to actualize, but is more commonly used in the context of awareness.
Actualize is more frequently used in motivational and psychological contexts, focusing on the transformation of potential into reality. Realise, on the other hand, is broader, used in everyday language to indicate both awareness and the process of making something real or achieving it.
While both terms involve making something real, actualize has a more specific connotation of achieving potential, whereas realise is more general, encompassing both awareness and achievement.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Make something real or bring into existence
Become aware of something
Secondary Meaning
Fulfill potential or goals
Make something real or achieve
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Common Usage Context
Motivational, psychological
Everyday awareness and achievement
American English
Actualize
Realize
British English
Actualize
Realise
Actualize and Realise Definitions
Actualize
To implement plans or ideas.
The company aims to actualize its growth strategy next year.
Realise
To become fully aware or conscious of something.
She realized she had left her keys at home.
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Actualize
To transform an idea into a tangible form.
They needed a strong leader to actualize the team's ideas.
Realise
To achieve or make something real.
The team realized their goal of winning the championship.
Actualize
To bring something abstract into reality.
The concept of the design was difficult to actualize.
Realise
To understand or grasp clearly.
He finally realized the importance of hard work.
Actualize
To make something real or concrete.
She worked hard to actualize her vision of a community center.
Realise
To bring something into reality.
The company realized a profit after several tough years.
Actualize
To achieve one's potential or dreams.
He felt he had finally actualized his potential as an artist.
Realise
To cause to happen or come true.
They realized their dream of opening a bakery.
Actualize
To realize in action or make real
"More flexible life patterns could ... nurture and renew our spirits through opportunities to actualize personal dreams" (Fred Best).
Realise
Standard spelling of realize
Actualize
To describe or portray realistically.
Realise
Earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages;
How much do you make a month in your new job?
She earns a lot in her new job
This merger brought in lots of money
He clears $5,000 each month
Actualize
To become actual.
Realise
Convert into cash; of goods and property
Actualize
(transitive) To make real; to realize.
Realise
Expand or complete (a thorough-based part in a piece of baroque music) by supplying the harmonies indicated in the figured bass
Actualize
(intransitive) To become actual or real.
Realise
Make real or concrete; give reality or substance to;
Our ideas must be substantiated into actions
Actualize
(reflexive) To realize one's full potential.
Realise
Be fully aware or cognizant of
Actualize
To make actual; to realize in action.
Realise
Perceive (an idea or situation) mentally;
Now I see!
I just can't see your point
Does she realize how important this decision is?
I don't understand the idea
Actualize
Make real or concrete; give reality or substance to;
Our ideas must be substantiated into actions
Actualize
Represent or describe realistically
FAQs
Is "realize" used in everyday language?
Yes, "realize" is frequently used in everyday language to mean becoming aware or achieving something.
Is "actualize" used in everyday language?
It is more commonly used in motivational or psychological contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Is "actualize" more common in American or British English?
It is equally used in both, often in specific contexts like self-help or motivational language.
Is "realise" British English?
Yes, "realise" is the British English spelling; "realize" is American English.
Can you actualize an idea?
Yes, to actualize an idea means to implement it and bring it into reality.
What contexts is "actualize" most often used?
In contexts related to personal development, psychology, and achieving potential.
What does it mean to actualize a goal?
To make a goal real by achieving it through actions and efforts.
Is "realize" more versatile than "actualize"?
Yes, "realize" has broader applications in both awareness and achievement contexts.
What does it mean to realize a goal?
To achieve or accomplish a goal, making it a reality.
Can you realize an idea?
Yes, to realize an idea means to understand it clearly or to bring it into existence.
What contexts is "realize" most often used?
In general contexts to indicate awareness, understanding, or achievement.
Can "realize" mean to earn money?
Yes, it can mean to achieve financial gain, such as realizing profits.
Can you use "actualize" in a business context?
Yes, especially when referring to implementing strategies or achieving business goals.
Does "actualize" have a specific tone or connotation?
It often carries a motivational or aspirational tone.
Do "actualize" and "realize" ever mean the same thing?
They can overlap in meaning when referring to making something real or achieving something.
Can "actualize" mean to earn money?
Indirectly, if it involves bringing a profitable idea to fruition, but it is not commonly used this way.
Can you use "realize" in a business context?
Yes, it is commonly used to refer to achieving goals or earning profits.
Is "actualize" used in psychological contexts?
Yes, it is often used in psychology to discuss achieving one's full potential.
Does "realize" have a specific tone or connotation?
It is neutral and widely used, suitable for various contexts from casual to formal.
Is "realize" used in psychological contexts?
It can be, especially when referring to becoming aware of something significant.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
