actualize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'actualize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of making something real or tangible; for example, "John was determined to actualize his dream of owning a business."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Notice that these types of intellect are really only the same, human intellect in three different states: wholly potential, wholly actual, and temporarily potential but able to actualize at will.

SEP

From that standpoint one of the distinctive features of inauthentic Dasein is that it fails to actualize its Being.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bodhisattvas seek to understand this reality through wisdom (prajna) and to actualize it through compassion (karuna).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Efforts to actualize any of these schemes were slow and difficult to finance, ensuring that the interdependent relationship between South Sudan and Sudan and associated tension would continue for some years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his Theodicy (1710), G.W. Leibniz used the concept of a possible world in his proposed solution to the theological problem of the existence of evil, arguing that an all-perfect God would actualize the best of all possible worlds; this idea was later satirized by Voltaire in his comic novel Candide (1759).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Philosophy for him was religion, the effort to actualize in oneself the great impulse of return to the Good, which constitutes reality on all its levels; and religion for him was philosophy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They will see themselves as the emerged and still emergent products of a vast evolutionary process that has already actualized some of these potentialities and can, as individual and social organization rises to higher levels, actualize many more.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It does no good to say that the body has only a potentially infinite number of parts corresponding to the divisions rather than an actually infinite number; for it was argued that if something is truly potential, then some agent, such as God, must have the power to bring about or actualize that potentiality.

SEP

God has always known the individual entities that he will actualize in the various species, as well as those that he will not, yet His decision in this regard is absolutely free and does not correspond to any essential order.

SEP

At any rate, Leibniz's writings about this project (which, it should be noted, he never got the chance to actualize) reveal significant insights into his understanding of the nature of human reasoning.

SEP

Suppose that there are infinitely many possible worlds, each of which is within God's power to actualize.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actualize" when you want to emphasize the process of making something potential into something real, especially in the context of personal growth or philosophical concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "actualize" when simpler verbs like "achieve" or "realize" would suffice. "Actualize" is most appropriate for conveying the transformation of potential into reality, not for describing everyday accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "actualize" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of making something real or converting potential into actuality. Ludwig provides numerous examples in academic and philosophical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actualize" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that signifies making something real or converting potential into actuality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples, mainly from academic and encyclopedic sources. Its usage is most appropriate in formal and scientific contexts, particularly when describing the transformation of potential into reality. Related phrases include "realize", "make real", and "bring to fruition". Remember to avoid overuse in simple contexts and reserve it for conveying the transformation of potential into reality, not for describing everyday accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make real

Focuses on the process of transforming something from potential to reality.

Realize

Highlights the achievement of a goal or ambition.

Realise

British English spelling for achieving a goal or understanding something fully.

Bring to fruition

Emphasizes the completion and successful realization of a plan or idea.

Give effect to

Highlights the implementation and enforcement of a law, plan or system.

Convert to reality

Focuses on the transformation from a conceptual stage to a concrete form.

Materialize

Stresses the physical manifestation of something intangible.

Bring about

Focuses on causing something to happen or exist.

Implement

Highlights the practical execution of a plan or project.

Substantiate

Focuses on providing evidence to support or prove something.

FAQs

How can I use "actualize" in a sentence?

You can use "actualize" to describe the process of making something real or tangible, for example, "The company managed to "actualize" its vision of becoming a market leader".

What can I say instead of "actualize"?

You can use alternatives like "realize", "achieve", or "implement" depending on the context.

Is "actualize" the same as "realize"?

While "actualize" and "realize" are similar, "actualize" often implies a more deliberate and transformative process of making something potential into something real, especially in the context of personal growth or philosophical concepts.

What does it mean to "actualize" your potential?

To ""actualize"" your potential means to fully develop and use your abilities and talents to achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. It's about making your inherent capabilities a reality.