imagine
ih-MAJ-ihn
Imagine (verb) means to form a mental picture of something, especially something not present or not real. Example: “Close your eyes and imagine you are lying on a quiet beach.”
verb
1
To form a mental picture of something, especially something not present or not real.
"Close your eyes and imagine you are lying on a quiet beach."
"Imagine a world without borders."
"Can you imagine what it must have been like to live back then?"
2
To assume or suppose something without being certain of it.
"I imagine the shops will be closed by the time we arrive."
"Judging by the noise, I imagine they are having a good time."
"I imagine she's already left for the airport by now."
How to use imagine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo picture something in your mind, or to guess/assume something.
Common pairings
imagine that
just imagine
hard to imagine
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like imagine.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- imagines
- Third person singular
- imagines
- Past tense
- imagined
- Archaic forms
- imaginest, imaginedst, imagineth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Close your eyes and _____ you are lying on a quiet beach.
Etymology
From Old French imaginer, from Latin imaginari, built on imago ("image, likeness").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for imagine
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include imagine:
