Realist: meaning, definitions and examples

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realist

[ ˈrɪəlɪst ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art

A person who believes in or follows the principles of realism in art.

Synonyms

naturalist, pragmatist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
realist	This word is best used when referring to someone who tends to see things as they are, without excessive optimism or pessimism, and makes practical decisions based on reality. She is a realist who doesn't expect overnight success and is prepared for potential setbacks. As a realist, he understood that there were limitations to what they could achieve with their current resources.
naturalist	Use this term when talking about someone who studies or loves nature and the environment, often focusing on the observation of plants, animals, and natural phenomena. The naturalist spent years documenting the diverse species in the Amazon rainforest. As a naturalist, she published numerous articles on bird migration patterns.
pragmatist	This word is appropriate for describing someone who deals with things realistically and practically, focusing on practical actions and solutions rather than theories or ideals. He is a pragmatist who values effective solutions over philosophical debates. As a pragmatist, she decided to implement small but impactful changes rather than aiming for an unachievable perfect plan.

Word

Description / Examples

realist

This word is best used when referring to someone who tends to see things as they are, without excessive optimism or pessimism, and makes practical decisions based on reality.

She is a realist who doesn't expect overnight success and is prepared for potential setbacks.
As a realist, he understood that there were limitations to what they could achieve with their current resources.

naturalist

Use this term when talking about someone who studies or loves nature and the environment, often focusing on the observation of plants, animals, and natural phenomena.

The naturalist spent years documenting the diverse species in the Amazon rainforest.
As a naturalist, she published numerous articles on bird migration patterns.

pragmatist

This word is appropriate for describing someone who deals with things realistically and practically, focusing on practical actions and solutions rather than theories or ideals.

He is a pragmatist who values effective solutions over philosophical debates.
As a pragmatist, she decided to implement small but impactful changes rather than aiming for an unachievable perfect plan.

Examples of usage

The realist artist painted everyday scenes with meticulous detail.
She is known as a prominent realist in the art world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophy

A person who accepts a view of the world as it is and avoids idealism and romanticism.

Synonyms

practicalist, rationalist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
realist	This word is included twice by mistake in the group of synonyms. 'Realist' has already been explained.
rationalist	A rationalist is a person who relies on reason and logic rather than emotions or religious beliefs. This term is often used in philosophical discussions or when describing someone who prioritizes logic over other modes of thinking. As a rationalist, he debates based on evidence rather than faith. The rationalist approach to decision-making considers all logical possibilities.
practicalist	A practicalist is someone who places emphasis on practical results and the application of knowledge. This term is often used in professional or academic settings where a solution-oriented approach is crucial. In the engineering team, a practicalist approach ensures that theories are converted into functional products. She’s a practicalist; she prefers solving real-world problems rather than getting caught up in abstract ideas.

Word

Description / Examples

realist

This word is included twice by mistake in the group of synonyms. 'Realist' has already been explained.

rationalist

A rationalist is a person who relies on reason and logic rather than emotions or religious beliefs. This term is often used in philosophical discussions or when describing someone who prioritizes logic over other modes of thinking.

As a rationalist, he debates based on evidence rather than faith.
The rationalist approach to decision-making considers all logical possibilities.

practicalist

A practicalist is someone who places emphasis on practical results and the application of knowledge. This term is often used in professional or academic settings where a solution-oriented approach is crucial.

In the engineering team, a practicalist approach ensures that theories are converted into functional products.
She’s a practicalist; she prefers solving real-world problems rather than getting caught up in abstract ideas.

Examples of usage

His philosophical stance as a realist influenced his approach to problem-solving.
The realist argued that practical solutions were more effective than theoretical ones.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

literature

An author or work of fiction that portrays life in a realistic manner.

Synonyms

naturalist, pragmatist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
realist	Use 'realist' to describe someone who understands and accepts the reality of a situation and tends to be practical and fact-focused. She is a realist who never lets her emotions cloud her judgment. Being a realist, he acknowledged the difficulties they might face.
naturalist	Use 'naturalist' to refer to someone who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially in terms of plants and animals. The naturalist gave an engaging lecture on the local flora and fauna. As a naturalist, she spent her life observing and documenting wildlife.
pragmatist	Use 'pragmatist' to describe a person who is more concerned with practical results and actions rather than theories or principles. He's a pragmatist who focuses on finding the most efficient solutions. She took a pragmatist approach to solve the company's budgetary issues.

Word

Description / Examples

realist

Use 'realist' to describe someone who understands and accepts the reality of a situation and tends to be practical and fact-focused.

She is a realist who never lets her emotions cloud her judgment.
Being a realist, he acknowledged the difficulties they might face.

naturalist

Use 'naturalist' to refer to someone who studies or is an expert in natural history, especially in terms of plants and animals.

The naturalist gave an engaging lecture on the local flora and fauna.
As a naturalist, she spent her life observing and documenting wildlife.

pragmatist

Use 'pragmatist' to describe a person who is more concerned with practical results and actions rather than theories or principles.

He's a pragmatist who focuses on finding the most efficient solutions.
She took a pragmatist approach to solve the company's budgetary issues.

Examples of usage

The realist writer depicted the struggles of working-class families in his novels.
Her novels are known for their stark realism and attention to detail.

Translations

Translations of the word "realist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 realista

🇮🇳 यथार्थवादी

🇩🇪 Realist

🇮🇩 realis

🇺🇦 реаліст

🇵🇱 realista

🇯🇵 リアリスト

🇫🇷 réaliste

🇪🇸 realista

🇹🇷 realist

🇰🇷 현실주의자

🇸🇦 واقعي

🇨🇿 realista

🇸🇰 realista

🇨🇳 现实主义者

🇸🇮 realist

🇮🇸 raunsæismaður

🇰🇿 реалист

🇬🇪 რეალისტი

🇦🇿 realist

🇲🇽 realista

Etymology

The term 'realist' originated in the early 19th century, initially used in the context of art to describe artists who depicted everyday life with accuracy and attention to detail. Over time, the term expanded to include philosophy and literature, referring to those who adhere to a practical and objective view of the world. Realism as a movement sought to challenge idealistic and romanticized portrayals of reality, focusing instead on the ordinary and mundane aspects of life.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,726, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13723 senseless
13724 mislead
13725 entangled
13726 realist
13727 plagued
13728 psychotic
13729 halo
...