Realist
ˈrɪəlɪst
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who tends to view or represent things as they really are.
ˈrɪəlɪst
A person who accepts and deals with things as they really are.
As a realist, he understood the limitations of the project.
💡 Simply: A realist is like someone who's got their feet on the ground! They see things as they are, not how they *wish* they were. Like, if you're planning a road trip, a realist will check the gas prices and route first, instead of just dreaming about the adventure!
👶 For kids: A realist is someone who knows how things really are, not just how they wish things were. Like, if you want a toy for your birthday, a realist knows you can't have everything!
More Examples
She is a realist and doesn't believe in wishful thinking.
The political scientist characterized him as a pragmatic realist.
How It's Used
"Political realists often focus on national interests and power dynamics."
"The philosopher was a realist, believing in the existence of an objective reality."
"She's a realist, always practical about money."
Characterized by the representation of things as they are.
ˈrɪəlɪst
Relating to or characterized by realism.
The journalist took a realist approach to reporting the news.
💡 Simply: If something is realist, it means it's like a true, straight-up representation of things. Think of a realist painting – it shows things exactly how they look in real life, no made-up stuff.
👶 For kids: If something is realist, it means it shows things the way they really are, like a picture of your dog that looks exactly like your dog!
More Examples
She preferred realist art to abstract expressionism.
The economic forecast offered a realist assessment of the market.
How It's Used
"The artist's realist paintings depicted everyday life with stunning accuracy."
"His realist novel portrayed the harsh realities of poverty."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
realpolitik
A system of politics based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.
"The foreign policy was often criticized for its adherence to realpolitik."
From French *réaliste*, from *réal* ("real") + *-iste* (a suffix denoting a person). It emerged in the context of philosophical and artistic movements emphasizing reality and objective observation.
The term gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly in art and literature, where artists and writers sought to depict life as it was.
Memory tip
Think of someone who is always 'real' and grounded in reality.