imagine
To form a mental image of something not yet present.
Word facts
Definition
To imagine means to form a mental picture or idea of something that does not yet exist or that you cannot directly see. It is the act of creating images, ideas, or scenarios in the mind.
Usage: Imagine often invites the listener to create a mental scenario: 'Imagine you are on a beach.' Visualise focuses on seeing clearly in the mind. Envision is more formal and forward-looking.
Example sentences
- 1
Imagine walking through a forest on a quiet autumn morning.
- 2
Children are remarkable in their ability to imagine entire worlds from nothing.
- 3
She imagined what her life might look like in ten years.
Word family
From Latin imaginari ('to picture to oneself'), from imago ('image, picture, likeness'). To imagine is to create an inner image.
Imagine = image + -ine. To imagine is to create an image inside your mind.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the noun form of imagine?
The noun is imagination. Example: Good stories require imagination.
What is the difference between imaginary and imaginative?
Imaginary means not real (an imaginary friend). Imaginative means good at using imagination (an imaginative writer).