realistic
/rɪəˈlɪstɪk
/adjective
1Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected: I thought we had a realistic chance of winning...
- He should be positive, practical and realistic about what we can and cannot do.
- She listened to patients' problems and helped them in realistic and practical ways.
- To achieve a realistic roll a Catholic school will often have to draw in pupils from a very wide area.
Synonyms
practical, pragmatic, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth, sensible, commonsensical;
rational, logical, reasonable, level-headed, clear-sighted, hard-headed, businesslike, sober, unromantic, unsentimental, unidealistic, tough-minded, robust, hard-boiled, unemotional
informal with both/one's feet on the ground, hard-nosed, no-nonsense
achievable, attainable, feasible, practicable, within the bounds of possibility, viable, reasonable, sensible, logical, workable
informal doable
2Representing things in a way that is accurate and true to life: a realistic human drama...
- Yet again this painting marks a break from the traditional style of realistic representation in art.
- The fantasy elements are there to serve what I hope is a realistic depiction of human nature.
- This show is probably the most realistic medical drama on British television.
Synonyms
true to life, lifelike, true, truthful, faithful, real-life, close, naturalistic, authentic, genuine, representational, graphic, convincing;
French vérité
informal kitchen-sink, warts and all
rare verisimilar, veristic, speaking