Actualize vs. Realize — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
Actualize refers to making something actual or real, focusing on turning potential into reality; whereas, realize involves becoming aware of or achieving something already potential or expected.
Difference Between Actualize and Realize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Actualize is about bringing potential concepts or ideas into actual existence or practical reality. Whereas, realize often means coming to understand something clearly, such as realizing the truth or a fact.
Actualize often appears in contexts involving personal development or goals, where the emphasis is on manifesting one's abilities or aspirations. On the other hand, realize can involve achieving goals, but it is more commonly associated with gaining insight or understanding.
In the realm of psychology, actualize is closely tied to the concept of self-actualization, which is the process of realizing one's own maximum potential and capacities. Whereas, realize might be used more generally to refer to understanding one's mental and emotional processes.
In literature, actualize might be used to describe a character who takes concrete steps to fulfill their destiny or potential. Conversely, realize is used when a character comes to an important revelation or understanding about themselves or their situation.
In project management, actualize refers to the phase where plans and ideas are executed, turning concepts into tangible outcomes. In contrast, realize might refer to the acknowledgment of outcomes or the recognition of results achieved through the project.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To make actual or real
To become aware of or achieve something
Context
Often used in personal development
Broadly used in general understanding
Relation to potential
Focus on turning potential into reality
Involves recognition of potential
Common usage
More about action and implementation
More about awareness and achievement
Psychological context
Tied to self-actualization
Associated with gaining insights
Compare with Definitions
Actualize
To realize personal or professional aspirations practically.
Through hard work, she actualized her potential as a leader.
Realize
To become fully aware of something.
He realized the importance of saving money.
Actualize
To implement ideas into actions.
He actualized the plans for the community garden.
Realize
To convert assets into cash.
The company realized its investments at a significant profit.
Actualize
To bring something into existence.
The new policy was actualized after several years of advocacy.
Realize
To achieve a dream or goal.
She finally realized her goal of becoming a doctor.
Actualize
To make a concept or idea a reality.
She actualized her dream of opening a bakery.
Realize
To understand something clearly.
After the discussion, she realized the implications of her decision.
Actualize
To fulfill potential.
The coaching program helps individuals actualize their career goals.
Realize
To acknowledge or recognize something.
They realized the need for more stringent regulations.
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).
Realize
Become fully aware of (something) as a fact; understand clearly
They realized that something was wrong
He realized his mistake at once
Actualize
To describe or portray realistically.
Realize
Cause to happen
His worst fears have been realized
Actualize
To become actual.
Realize
Give actual or physical form to
The stage designs have been beautifully realized
Actualize
(transitive) To make real; to realize.
Realize
Make (a profit) from a transaction
She realized a profit of $100,000
Actualize
(intransitive) To become actual or real.
Realize
To comprehend completely or correctly.
Actualize
(reflexive) To realize one's full potential.
Realize
To bring into reality; make real
He finally realized his lifelong ambition to learn how to play the violin.
Actualize
To make actual; to realize in action.
Realize
To make realistic
A film that realizes court life of the 1600s.
Actualize
Make real or concrete; give reality or substance to;
Our ideas must be substantiated into actions
Realize
To obtain or achieve, as gain or profit
She realized a substantial return on the investment.
Actualize
Represent or describe realistically
Realize
To bring in (a sum) as profit by sale.
Realize
To exchange holdings or goods for money.
Realize
To make real; to convert from the imaginary or fictitious into reality; to bring into real existence
The objectives of the project were never fully realized.
Realize
(transitive) To become aware of (a fact or situation, especially of something that has been true for a long time).
He realized that he had left his umbrella on the train.
The defendant desperately yelled at her young daughter, frantic to make her realize what she had done.
Realize
(transitive) To cause to seem real to other people.
Realize
(transitive) To sense vividly or strongly; to make one's own in thought or experience.
Realize
To acquire as an actual possession; to obtain as the result of plans and efforts; to gain; to get
To realize large profits from a speculation
Realize
To convert any kind of property into money, especially property representing investments, such as shares, bonds, etc.
Profits from the investment can be realized at any time by selling the shares.
By realizing the company's assets, the liquidator was able to return most of the shareholders’ investments.
Realize
To convert into real property; to make real estate of.
Realize
To turn an abstract linguistic object into actual language, especially said of a phoneme's conversion into speech sound.
The southern /v/ is realized as the voiced approximant [ʋ].
Realize
To make real; to convert from the imaginary or fictitious into the actual; to bring into concrete existence; to effectuate; to accomplish; as, to realize a scheme or project.
We realize what Archimedes had only in hypothesis, weighing a single grain against the globe of earth.
Realize
To cause to seem real; to impress upon the mind as actual; to feel vividly or strongly; to make one's own in apprehension or experience.
Many coincidences . . . soon begin to appear in them [Greek inscriptions] which realize ancient history to us.
We can not realize it in thought, that the object . . . had really no being at any past moment.
Realize
To convert into real property; to make real estate of; as, to realize his fortune.
Realize
To acquire as an actual possession; to obtain as the result of plans and efforts; to gain; to get; as, to realize large profits from a speculation.
Knighthood was not beyond the reach of any man who could by diligent thrift realize a good estate.
Realize
To convert into actual money; as, to realize assets.
Realize
To convert any kind of property into money, especially property representing investments, as shares in stock companies, bonds, etc.
Wary men took the alarm, and began to realize, a word now first brought into use to express the conversion of ideal property into something real.
Realize
Be fully aware or cognizant of
Realize
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
Realize
Make real or concrete; give reality or substance to;
Our ideas must be substantiated into actions
Realize
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
Realize
Convert into cash; of goods and property
Realize
Expand or complete (a thorough-based part in a piece of baroque music) by supplying the harmonies indicated in the figured bass
Common Curiosities
Is actualize commonly used in business?
Yes, it's used to describe executing plans and turning ideas into practical results.
Can actualize and realize be used interchangeably?
They are not typically interchangeable as actualize implies making things real, while realize means becoming aware or achieving.
How do actualize and realize relate to achieving goals?
Actualize relates to the process of making goals a reality, while realize focuses on achieving or recognizing the completion of goals.
What is the main difference between actualize and realize?
Actualize focuses on turning potential into reality, whereas realize involves awareness or achievement of something.
How does actualize relate to personal development?
Actualize is often used in the context of achieving personal potential and goals.
What does it mean to realize something in a psychological context?
In psychology, to realize something often means to come to an understanding or awareness of one’s mental and emotional state.
What does it mean to realize an opportunity?
It means to recognize and possibly take advantage of an opportunity.
Can companies actualize innovations?
Yes, companies can actualize innovations by turning creative ideas into marketable products.
What does realize mean in financial contexts?
In finance, to realize can mean to convert assets into cash or gain financial returns.
What role does realization play in learning?
Realization in learning involves coming to understand or becoming aware of knowledge.
Can a person actualize a skill?
Yes, actualizing a skill involves developing and applying it effectively in real-world scenarios.
Is actualize a physical or mental process?
It can be both, often involving mental visualization and physical action.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
