actualize
/ˈæk.tʃu.a.laɪz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To make something real or happen, especially a plan, dream, or idea. It is more formal than
- They actualized their plan within a year.
- The idea has not yet been actualized.
- She worked hard to actualize her goals.
Adinary Nuance
Actualize is more formal than make happen or bring about. It often appears in writing about plans, goals, ideas, or potential. Writers choose it when they want a serious or academic tone, not an everyday one. It is close to realize, but actualize stresses turning something into reality.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hiện thực hóa
- Spanish
- materializar
- Chinese
- 实现
- Japanese
- 実現する
- Korean
- 실현하다
Etymology
Actualize comes from actual and the suffix -ize. It entered English in the 19th century, from Latin-based word building.
Common phrases
actualize a dreamactualize a planactualize potential
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is actualize formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. People use it more in writing, speeches, and academic English.
- What is the difference between actualize and realize?
- Realize often means to understand or notice. Actualize means to make an idea or plan become real.
- Can I use actualize in everyday conversation?
- You can, but it may sound a little formal or bookish. Make happen is more natural in daily speech.