Cool MateFulfil vs Realize
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fulfil
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Realize
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Realize
| Fulfil | Realize | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/fʊlˈfɪl/","/fʊlˈfɪlz/","/fʊlˈfɪld/","/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fʊlˈfɪl/","/fʊlˈfɪlz/","/fʊlˈfɪld/","/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈriːəlaɪz//ˈrɪəlaɪz/","/ˈriːəlaɪzɪz//ˈrɪəlaɪzɪz/","/ˈriːəlaɪzd//ˈrɪəlaɪzd/","/ˈriːəlaɪzɪŋ//ˈrɪəlaɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈriːəlaɪz/","/ˈriːəlaɪzɪz/","/ˈriːəlaɪzd/","/ˈriːəlaɪzɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to make something happen or to do what is required | To understand something clearly. |
| Example | She was able to fulfil all the requirements for the scholarship. | I didn't realize how important that meeting was until it was too late. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can, really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can, really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can | fully, dimly, suddenly, begin to, come to, make somebody, with, without realizing (something) |
| Antonyms | fail, neglect | ignore, overlook, miss |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'fill'., Incorrectly using 'fulfil' without an object., Using 'fulfil' in informal speech. | Confusing 'realize' with 'realised' in British English., Using 'realize' without an object (e.g. 'I realized that' is correct)., Mixing up 'realize' with 'recognize'; they have different meanings. |
| Usage notes | Use 'fulfil' in formal or neutral contexts, such as completing a promise or a requirement. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'do' or 'complete' might fit better. | Use 'realize' when you come to a new understanding or awareness of something. It's neutral and suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in very formal writing where 'become aware of' might be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fulfil vs Realize
What's the difference between Fulfil and Realize?
Fulfil: to make something happen or to do what is required Realize: To understand something clearly.
Which is more common: Fulfil and Realize?
Realize is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Fulfil and Realize?
Fulfil is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Fulfil and Realize the same CEFR level?
Fulfil: B2, Realize: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Fulfil and Realize?
Fulfil: verb, Realize: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Fulfil: She was able to fulfil all the requirements for the scholarship. Realize: I didn't realize how important that meeting was until it was too late.
Can I use Fulfil and Realize interchangeably?
Not always. Fulfil and Realize are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.