realist

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'realist' is correct in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone who is practical rather than idealistic. For example, "She is a realist who believes it is important to be prepared for the worst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The British realist movement was in full swing, following the free cinema movement and the success of Room At The Top, and Schlesinger joined Anderson, Tony Richardson and Karel Reisz in a series of films with working-class and regional backgrounds.

The Guardian

I don't like this racist crap accusation; I'm a realist," he said.

The Guardian

Unlike most directors working in Germany, Mitchell expects her actors to research or imagine the biographies of their characters – another aspect closer to the realist rather than the Brechtian tradition.

The Guardian

That's the vernacular of film.' The 'language of dreams' has not been particularly significant in the canon of social realist films.

The Guardian - Film

But I am a football realist.

The Guardian - Sport

Success is very rare.Mr McGovern is a realist; he believes that "if there are any kind of reforms, it will be in the area of disclosure".

The Economist

What is good for Swiss banks is not good for American banks.Rumour has it that many foreigners keep their money in America because secrecy there is far better than most tax havens.John Graham International tax counsel AmsterdamTwo-state solutionSIR – Eduard Shevardnadze (Obituary, July 12th) was a realist, rationalist and indeed a silver fox in diplomacy.

The Economist

As a self-proclaimed realist, sceptical of the use of military force, Mr Gates is arguably closer in strategic worldview to Mr Obama.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Kouyaté's father, a real-life Griot, plays the storyteller and brings the magic-realist version of history alive.

The Guardian - Film

You had the social-realist, kitchen-sink school, pioneered by directors such as Ken Loach and Mike Leigh.

The Guardian - Film

David Goldblatt's deadpan images of apartheid South Africa hang near the wacky photos of priests playing in the snow by Mario Giacomelli, an Italian neo-realist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "realist", provide specific examples of their behavior or decisions that demonstrate their practical and objective approach.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "realist" as someone who is inherently negative or pessimistic. Realism focuses on assessing situations objectively, not necessarily assuming the worst outcome.

Linguistic Context

The word "realist" functions primarily as a noun, designating an individual who embraces a pragmatic and objective worldview. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes someone who perceives situations as they are, rather than how they might ideally be.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "realist" is a common and versatile noun used to describe someone who perceives and approaches situations with a practical and objective mindset. According to Ludwig AI, this individual is characterized by their ability to acknowledge facts and realities, rather than being swayed by ideals or wishful thinking. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, the word "realist" denotes objectivity. Remember to use it to characterize people with the goal of highlighting their practical side.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pragmatist

Focuses on practical considerations and achieving tangible results, often emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness.

down-to-earth person

Implies someone grounded in reality and avoids fanciful or unrealistic notions.

practical thinker

Highlights the ability to approach problems and decisions in a sensible and realistic manner.

matter-of-fact individual

Emphasizes a straightforward and objective perspective, avoiding emotional or subjective interpretations.

unsentimental observer

Suggests someone who can analyze situations without being influenced by emotions or personal biases.

objective analyst

Implies a focus on unbiased assessment and factual data when evaluating situations.

level-headed person

Describes someone who remains calm and rational, especially in challenging circumstances.

no-nonsense individual

Highlights a direct and pragmatic approach, avoiding unnecessary complexities or distractions.

eyes-wide-open person

Suggests someone who is fully aware of the realities and potential challenges of a situation.

hardheaded individual

Implies a tough and pragmatic approach, prioritizing practical considerations over emotional factors.

FAQs

How can I use "realist" in a sentence?

You can use "realist" to describe someone who acknowledges and accepts facts and situations as they are, rather than how they might wish them to be. For example, "As a "realist", she understood the challenges ahead and planned accordingly."

What is a synonym for "realist"?

Alternatives to "realist" include "pragmatist", "practical thinker", or "down to earth person", all emphasizing a focus on practicality and objective assessment.

Is it better to be a "realist" or an idealist?

Neither is inherently better. A "realist" focuses on facts and practicality, while an idealist focuses on hopes and possibilities. The best approach depends on the specific situation and goals.

What is the difference between a "realist" and a cynic?

A "realist" assesses situations objectively, while a cynic assumes the worst about people's motives. Realism is about facing facts, while cynicism is about distrust.