noun

vision

/VIZH-un/ vi·sion 2 syllables

The ability to see; or the ability to plan and imagine the future.

Word facts

Part of speech noun
Syllables 2
Letters 6
Starts with V

Definition

Vision refers to the ability to see. It also means the ability to think about and plan for the future — to imagine what could be and work toward it. A vision is a mental picture of a desired future.

Usage: Vision (sight) and vision (plan) are two distinct meanings. A visionary person can imagine the future better than most. Foresight is similar but focuses on practical anticipation.

Example sentences

  1. 1

    The architect shared her vision for the new community centre.

  2. 2

    Good leadership requires both practical skill and long-term vision.

  3. 3

    His vision for the company was to make quality products accessible to everyone.

Word family

adjective visual
adjective visible
noun / adjective visionary
verb envision
Word origin

From Latin visio ('act of seeing'), from videre ('to see'). Vision, visible, visual, and video all share this root.

Memory tip

Vision contains 'vis' — to see. A forward vision is seeing where you want to go before you get there.

Explore this word in Word Lab

FAQ

Questions people ask

What does visionary mean?

A visionary is someone who can imagine and plan for a remarkably better future. As an adjective, visionary describes thinking or plans that are original and forward-looking.

What is a company vision?

A company vision is a statement of the long-term future the organisation is working toward — what it aspires to become.