Imagination: meaning, definitions and examples
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imagination
[ ɪˌmadʒɪˈneɪʃən ]
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'imagination' has its roots in the Latin word 'imaginari' which means 'to form a mental picture'. Over time, the concept of imagination has evolved to encompass creativity, innovation, and the ability to envision things beyond the realm of reality. Imagination plays a crucial role in art, literature, science, and everyday problem-solving, shaping the world around us through the power of creative thought.
See also: imaginary, imaginative, imaginatively, imagineer, imagining, reimagine, reimagining, unimaginability, unimaginable, unimaginableness, unimaginably, unimaginative, unimaginatively.