imagine
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for imagine, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To form a mental picture of something, especially something not present or not real.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use imagine
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French imaginer, from Latin imaginari, built on imago ("image, likeness").
Full origin of imagine →Frequently asked questions
What does “imagine” mean?
The word “imagine” means to form a mental picture of something, especially something not present or not real. In plain terms, to picture something in your mind, or to guess/assume something.
How do you pronounce “imagine”?
“Imagine” is pronounced ih-MAJ-ihn (/ɪˈmæd͡ʒ.ɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “imagine” in a sentence?
Here is “imagine” used in a sentence: “Imagine a world without borders.”
What is another word for “imagine”?
Words with a similar meaning to “imagine” include ween.
What part of speech is “imagine”?
“Imagine” is a verb.
Where does the word “imagine” come from?
The word “imagine” comes from Latin. From Old French imaginer, from Latin imaginari, built on imago ("image, likeness").
Is “imagine” a common word?
“Imagine” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “imagine” have?
“Imagine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to form a mental picture of something, especially something not present or not real.
What is the difference between imagine and visualise?
To visualise is to form a specifically visual picture in your mind. To imagine is broader: you can imagine a sound, a smell, a feeling, or a whole situation, and it often carries a sense of inventing something new or unreal. All visualising is imagining, but not the reverse.
Does 'imagine' mean to suppose?
Yes, in casual use 'imagine' often means to suppose or expect: 'I imagine she'll be late.' Here you're not picturing anything but making a reasonable guess. This softer sense sits alongside the main meaning of forming a mental image, and context shows which one is intended.
Can you improve your imagination?
Yes. Imagination is a skill that grows with use. Reading fiction, daydreaming on purpose, asking 'what if' questions, and creative play all stretch it. The more you practise forming and combining mental pictures, the richer and quicker your imagining tends to become — much like exercising a muscle.
What is an example of 'imagine' in a sentence?
'Close your eyes and imagine a beach at sunset' asks you to build a mental picture. 'I can't imagine living without music' shows the word used for conceiving a possibility. Both involve forming in the mind something that isn't physically present at that moment.