Have visions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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have visions

[ˈvɪʒənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

imagination

To have visions means to experience vivid mental images or scenes, often associated with a supernatural or mystical experience. It can also refer to having a strong belief in a particular future outcome or goal.

Synonyms

envision, imagine, visualize.

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Word Description / Examples
have visions

Often refers to experiencing vivid mental images, sometimes with a spiritual or mystical connotation.

  • He had visions of a great disaster before the storm arrived
imagine

Used for general cases of forming pictures or ideas in your mind, often with an element of creativity.

  • Imagine a life where you can travel anywhere you want without worry
visualize

Involves creating a specific and detailed mental image, often used in contexts of planning or achieving goals.

  • She visualized herself winning the race, focusing on every detail of the track
envision

Used when you are thinking about the future and creating a mental image or plan.

  • She envisions a world where everyone has access to clean water

Examples of usage

  • I often have visions of a peaceful world where everyone coexists harmoniously.
  • She claimed to have visions of the future, predicting events that later came true.
Context #2 | Noun

prophecy

In a religious or mystical context, a vision can refer to a supernatural revelation or insight into future events, often believed to come from a divine source.

Synonyms

insight, prophecy, revelation.

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Word Description / Examples
have visions

This phrase is often used in a spiritual or mystical context where someone sees future events or has an intense, vivid experience in their mind. It can sometimes imply a supernatural or otherworldly experience.

  • During meditation, she claimed to have visions of past lives
  • Many prophets in history were said to have visions that guided their actions
revelation

Revelation is used when someone discovers a surprising or significant piece of information. It can apply in various contexts, including personal realizations, breaking news, or religious contexts.

  • The detective's revelation of the true murderer shocked everyone
  • Her sudden revelation about her career goals changed her life direction
prophecy

Prophecy is a prediction of the future, often said to be divinely inspired. It's commonly associated with religious texts, ancient cultures, or mythologies.

  • The ancient prophecy foretold the coming of a great leader
  • Many people feared the prophecy of the world's end
insight

Insight is generally used when someone deeply understands something or gains a clear understanding of a complex situation. It's often used in intellectual or analytical contexts.

  • Her insight into human behavior made her an excellent psychologist
  • The novel provides deep insight into the struggles of growing up

Examples of usage

  • The prophet had a vision of a great flood that would come to pass.
  • She received a vision of a figure cloaked in light, guiding her towards a new path.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who have visions may experience a heightened level of creativity, often leading to innovative ideas.
  • Studies suggest that envisioning goals can improve motivation and performance in achieving those goals.
  • This process can also aid in problem-solving, as imagining different scenarios helps in considering various outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies and stories, characters with visions often play key roles in predicting future events, shaping the narrative.
  • The concept of having visions is prevalent in fantasy genres, where characters foresee their destinies through mystical means.
  • Famous figures in pop culture, like Prophetess characters or clairvoyants, often embody the trope of foresight to guide others.

History

  • Throughout history, individuals claiming to have visions have often influenced movements, from spiritual leaders to political figures.
  • Visions were significant in various religions, sometimes considered as messages from divine sources.
  • Ancient cultures documented visions in their mythology, believing that sharers of these experiences held special knowledge.

Art & Literature

  • Visionary art often reflects deep insights, with artists creating works inspired by their imagination or personal experiences.
  • Many writers utilize the concept of visions to explore themes of fate, prophecy, and the subconscious in their stories.
  • The portrayal of visionary experiences has often fascinated readers, leading to discussions on reality versus imagination.

Origin of 'have visions'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vision' comes from the Latin word 'visio', which means 'to see'.
  • In Middle English, 'vision' was often used to describe a sight or dream that felt unusually real.
  • Having visions often implies a deeper understanding or insight beyond normal perception.

The concept of having visions has been present in human history for centuries, with references to prophetic visions found in ancient religious texts and folklore. Throughout different cultures and belief systems, visions have been seen as a way to gain insight into the unknown or receive messages from higher powers. The interpretation and significance of visions vary widely depending on cultural, religious, and individual beliefs.