imagine

imag·ine

verb \i-ˈma-jən\

imag·inedimag·in·ing \-ˈmaj-niŋ, -ˈma-jə-\

Definition of IMAGINE

transitive verb

1

: to form a mental image of (something not present) <imagine accidents at every turn>

2

archaic : plan, scheme

3

: suppose, guess <I imagine it will rain>

4

: to form a notion of without sufficient basis : fancy <imagines himself to be a charming conversationalist>

intransitive verb

1

: to use the imagination

2

: believe 3

Examples of IMAGINE

1. a writer who has imagined an entire world of amazing creatures
2. He asked us to imagine a world without poverty or war.
3. It's hard for me to imagine having children.
4. He was imagining all sorts of terrible things happening.
5. “What was that sound? I think there's someone in the house!” “Oh, you're just imagining things.”
6. I imagine it will snow at some point today.
7. It's difficult to imagine that these changes will really be effective.
8. The company will do better next year, I imagine.
9. It was worse than they had imagined.

Origin of IMAGINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French imaginer, from Latin imaginari, from imagin-, imago image

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to IMAGINE

Synonyms

conceit [chiefly dialect], conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy, fantasize, fantasy, feature, ideate, image, picture, see, vision, visualize

Related Words

daydream, stargaze; hallucinate; re-create, reflect, relive, reminisce; contemplate, meditate, muse, ponder, ruminate; concoct, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, plan, project; foresee, prefigure

Near Antonyms

distrust, doubt, mistrust, question, suspect; disbelieve, discredit, reject

See Synonym Discussion at think

imag·ine

verb \im-ˈaj-ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

imag·ined; imag·in·ing \-ˈaj-(ə-)niŋ\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of IMAGINE

transitive verb

: to form a mental image of (something not present)

intransitive verb

: to use the imagination