Realistic vs. Attainable: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Huma Saeed || Updated on November 10, 2023
Realistic refers to pertaining to an accurate, lifelike, or practical representation of reality. Attainable refers to capable of being achieved or accomplished within available means or

Key Differences
Realistic refers to something that accurately represents or resembles real life, often focusing on practicality and truthfulness. Attainable denotes the possibility of achieving or accomplishing something, emphasizing feasibility and achievability.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
When describing goals, realistic suggests they are grounded in reality and practical, considering current limitations and resources. Attainable goals, however, specifically imply that they can be achieved with the resources and time available.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In art or literature, realistic describes a style that faithfully depicts life as it is, without idealization. Attainable, in a different context, could describe something that can be easily acquired or reached, such as a skill or knowledge.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic expectations are based on what is likely to happen, considering known factors and past experiences. Attainable expectations are those that one has the ability or opportunity to fulfill.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic often involves a critical and objective assessment of situations, avoiding over-optimism or pessimism. Attainable focuses more on the practical aspect of whether a goal or objective can realistically be met with the efforts and resources at hand.

Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Accuracy and lifelikeness in representation.
Achievability or accomplishment.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Context
Often used in art, literature, and expectations.
Primarily used for goals, objectives, and aspirations.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Application
Describes the nature of representation or expectation.
Describes the potential of achieving or acquiring something.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Implication
Grounded in reality and objective assessment.
Within the realm of possibility considering resources and circumstances.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
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Realistic and Attainable Definitions
Realistic
In art, depicting subjects in a naturalistic and detailed manner.
His realistic paintings vividly capture the essence of rural life.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Attainable
Realistic in the sense of being achievable or possible.
Setting attainable milestones is key to maintaining motivation.

Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic
Practically aware and sensible; pragmatic.
Her plan for the business was realistic and well-thought-out.

Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Attainable
Able to be reached, achieved, or accomplished.
An attainable goal for the team is increasing sales by 10%.

Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic
Representing familiar things in a way that is accurate or true to life.
The movie provided a realistic portrayal of space travel.

Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
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Attainable
Capable of being physically reached or accessed.
The top shelf is attainable with the use of a ladder.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic
Expectations or goals that are sensible and likely to be achieved.
Setting a realistic deadline is crucial for the project's success.

Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Attainable
Within reach in terms of effort or resources required.
With diligent study, a passing grade is certainly attainable.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic
Accepting and dealing with things as they are; practical and pragmatic.
Her realistic approach to challenges made her an effective leader.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Realistic
Tending to or expressing an awareness of things as they really are
She gave us a realistic appraisal of our chances.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Attainable
To come to or arrive at, as through movement, growth, or the passage of time
Redwoods can attain a height of 300 feet.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Of or relating to the representation of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are
A realistic novel about coal mining.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Attainable
To succeed in a directed effort, process, or progression
Attained to high office.
Eventually attained to wisdom.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Expressed or represented as being accurate, practicable, or not idealistic.
A realistic appraisal of the situation.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Relating to the representation of objects, actions or conditions as they actually are or were.
A realistic novel about the Victorian poor.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Of or pertaining to the realists; in the manner of the realists; characterized by realism rather than by imagination.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Attainable
Capable of being attained or reached by efforts of the mind or body; capable of being compassed or accomplished by efforts directed to the object.
The highest pitch of perfection attainable in this life.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Aware or expressing awareness of things as they really are;
A realistic description
A realistic view of the possibilities
A realistic appraisal of our chances
The actors tried to create a realistic portrayal of the Africans

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Attainable
Obtainable.
General Howe would not permit the purchase of those articles [clothes and blankets] in Philadelphia, and they were not attainable in the country.

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Representing what is real; not abstract or ideal;
Realistic portraiture
A realistic novel
In naturalistic colors
The school of naturalistic writers

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Attainable
Capable of being attained or accomplished;
Choose an attainable goal
Art is not something that is come-at-able by dint of study

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Realistic
Of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of realism;
A realistic system of thought

Huma Saeed
Dec 28, 2022
Attainable
Something that can be understood or grasped.
The concept he explained was complex but attainable.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
FAQs
How is realistic used in art?
To describe work that accurately depicts real life.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Can attainable refer to understanding something?
Yes, it can mean something is possible to understand.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Are realistic expectations important?
Yes, they are crucial for sensible planning.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Is attainable related to resources?
Yes, it considers available resources and effort.

Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Is attainable always achievable?
Yes, it refers to something that can be achieved.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can realistic be subjective?
Yes, what's realistic can vary from person to person.

Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Can something be realistic but not attainable?
Yes, if it's practical but beyond current means to achieve.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
How does realistic relate to expectations?
It means expectations are based on practical reality.

Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In what contexts is attainable used?
In setting goals, objectives, and learning.

Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Is realistic positive or negative?
It's neutral, focusing on accuracy and practicality.

Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Can a plan be both realistic and attainable?
Yes, if it's practical and achievable.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Does realistic require evidence?
Often, as it's based on real-life accuracy.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Can something be attainable but not realistic?
Yes, if it’s achievable but not practical or sensible.

Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Is realistic a subjective judgement?
Partially, as it depends on one's perspective and experience.

Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
