Imagination: meaning, definitions and examples
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imagination
[ɪˌmadʒɪˈneɪʃən ]
Definitions
creative
The ability to form mental images or concepts of something that is not present to the senses.
Synonyms
creativity, fantasy, innovation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| imagination |
When referring to the mental ability to form images or concepts that are not present in reality, usually involving abstract thinking.
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| creativity |
When talking about the ability to generate original ideas or think outside the box, often related to artistic or innovative tasks.
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| fantasy |
When discussing something that is a product of pure imagination, often involving unrealistic or magical scenarios.
|
| innovation |
When referring to the introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices, often in the context of technology and business.
|
Examples of usage
- Her imagination knew no bounds.
- He had a vivid imagination.
- Illustrating children's books requires a lot of imagination.
- Daydreaming is a form of imagination.
- She used her imagination to solve the problem.
creative
The faculty or action of forming new ideas, images, or concepts not present to the senses.
Synonyms
creativity, inventiveness, vision.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| imagination |
Refers to the ability to form new images and sensations in the mind that are not immediately available to the senses. Often used when talking about the power to create ideas or scenarios that are not real.
|
| creativity |
Describes the ability to generate original ideas or concepts, typically in the context of solving problems or creating art. Commonly used when referring to artistic work or innovative thinking.
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| inventiveness |
Focuses on the ability to invent or create something new, particularly useful in contexts that require problem-solving and innovation. Often used to describe someone's resourcefulness.
|
| vision |
Implies a forward-thinking ability to imagine how things could be in the future. Often used in leadership or strategic contexts to describe someone's ability to foresee and create a desired future.
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Examples of usage
- His imagination was the key to his success.
- Imagination is essential for artistic endeavors.
- She possessed a rich imagination.
- Imagination allows us to dream big.
- Without imagination, there would be no progress.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'imagination' comes from the Latin 'imaginatio', meaning 'to form an image'.
- It was used in the English language around the 14th century, highlighting the importance of mental imagery.
- In older uses, it often referred to both the action of imagining and the capacity to form ideas.
Psychology
- Imagination plays a crucial role in problem-solving, helping people visualize solutions.
- Studies show that engaging in imaginative play can improve cognitive flexibility in children.
- In therapy, imagination is often used to help individuals visualize positive outcomes or cope with trauma.
Art and Literature
- Many famous writers, like J.K. Rowling, credit their rich imaginations for crafting entire worlds in their books.
- Artists often use imagination to create pieces that challenge societal norms or express new ideas.
- Surrealism, an art movement, celebrates the imagination by creating dream-like scenes that defy logic.
Science and Innovation
- Innovation often begins in the imagination; groundbreaking inventions usually stem from someone imagining a better way.
- Scientists use imaginative thinking to hypothesize about phenomena that have not yet been observed.
- Imagination plays a key role in scientific exploration, allowing researchers to envision experiments and potential discoveries.
Cultural Impact
- Cultural stories and myths are often products of collective imagination, shaping the values and beliefs of societies.
- Imagination fosters empathy; imagining someone else's experience can lead to understanding and compassion.
- The concept of 'the imagination' varies across cultures, influencing how communities approach creativity and innovation.
Translations
Translations of the word "imagination" in other languages:
🇵🇹 imaginação
🇮🇳 कल्पना
🇩🇪 Vorstellungskraft
🇮🇩 imajinasi
🇺🇦 уявлення
🇵🇱 wyobraźnia
🇯🇵 想像力 (そうぞうりょく)
🇫🇷 imagination
🇪🇸 imaginación
🇹🇷 hayal gücü
🇰🇷 상상력 (sangsangnyeok)
🇸🇦 خيال
🇨🇿 představivost
🇸🇰 predstavivosť
🇨🇳 想象力 (xiǎngxiàng lì)
🇸🇮 domišljija
🇮🇸 ímyndunarafl
🇰🇿 қиял
🇬🇪 წარმოიდგენა
🇦🇿 təxəyyül
🇲🇽 imaginación