Definition of "realistic" []

• Tending to or expressing an awareness of things as they really are: She gave us a realistic appraisal of our chances. (adjective)
• Of or relating to the representation of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are: a realistic novel about ghetto life. See Synonyms at graphic. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "They have a much more, what they call realistic -- lower expectations, as far as the assumptions are concerned."
• "LOU DOBBS, CNN ANCHOR: Tonight, top U.S. officials announce what they call a realistic timetable for success in Iraq as insurgents kill four more of our troops."
• "TODD: Taylor says he does not want Congress to promise an unrealistic amount of taxpayer money for the memorial, and says he will make sure the passengers and crew on that plane will get what he calls a realistic and lasting tribute."