Word

realism

noun C1

/ˈɹi.əlɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

a style in art or literature that depicts life and people in a truthful, ordinary, and detailed way

noun

a practical attitude that accepts facts and limitations rather than relying on wishful thinking

Definition

Realism is a style or approach that represents people and events as they are in real life, without idealizing them.

Realism describes an effort to show life truthfully and in detail, focusing on ordinary people, settings, and believable behavior. In art and literature, it avoids romantic exaggeration and tries to capture what feels authentic. More generally, it can also mean a practical attitude that accepts facts and limits when making plans or judgments.

Examples

The novel’s realism comes from its precise descriptions of street life and the characters’ small compromises.
I admire the director’s realism, because the dialogue sounds like something people would actually say.
Her realism kept the group from overpromising, so they built a plan that matched their resources.
They debated whether the painting’s realism was too stark, but it made the scene feel immediate and human.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse realism with reality, but realism is the style or attitude, not the actual world itself.