Main Entry:

imag·i·nary

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈma-jə-ˌner-ē, -ˌne-rē\

Function:

adjective

Date:

14th century

1 a: existing only in imagination : lacking factual reality b: formed or characterized imaginatively or arbitrarily <his canvases, chiefly imaginary, somber landscapes — Current Biography>2: containing or relating to the imaginary unit <imaginary roots>

— imag·i·nari·ly \i-ˌma-jə-ˈner-ə-lē\ adverb

— imag·i·nari·ness \-ˈma-jə-ˌner-ē-nəs\ noun

synonyms imaginary, fanciful, visionary, fantastic, chimerical, quixotic mean unreal or unbelievable. imaginary applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination <an imaginary desert isle>. fanciful suggests the free play of the imagination <a teller of fanciful stories>. visionary stresses impracticality or incapability of realization <visionary schemes>. fantastic implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief <a fantastic world inhabited by monsters>. chimerical combines the implication of visionary and fantastic <chimerical dreams of future progress>. quixotic implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense <a quixotic crusade>.