Usage of 'realize'
Does the word realize always include the process of becoming cognizant of the matter at hand?
e.g. I realize that the iPhone is a popular device.
Does this mean the speaker become cognizant of this fact upon the statement? Or does he means: I 'know' that ...
I have this question because I recently came across the following:
I realize that the iPhone is a popular device but its technical inferiority comparing to others is apparent.
Why does the speaker uses realize instead of be aware, know, understand?
The verb realize is used to describe the breadth of understanding, not the process of understanding. i.e. "I realize that..." is equivalent to saying "I am well aware that..." or "I completely understand that...".
If the speaker had wanted to indicate a sudden onset of understanding, the sentence would read "I suddenly realize that..." or "I have just realized that...".
From dictionary.reference.com (with some definitions removed for clarity):
re·al·ize /ˈriəˌlaɪz/ -ized, -iz·ing
- to grasp or understand clearly
- to make real; give reality to (a hope, fear, plan, etc.)
- to bring vividly to the mind