Imagine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imagine

[ษชหˆmadส’ษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

creative

Form a mental image or concept of.

Synonyms

conceive, envision, visualize.

Examples of usage

  • it is hard to imagine the scope of the destruction
  • she tried to imagine what it would be like
Context #2 | Verb

hypothetical

Suppose or assume.

Synonyms

presume, speculate, theorize.

Examples of usage

  • imagine that you are already rich
  • let's imagine for a moment that it's true
Context #3 | Noun

creative

A view or opinion.

Synonyms

conception, imagination, vision.

Examples of usage

  • his imaginative flair
  • the book gives us a vivid imagine of the past

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cognitive Science

  • Imagining can activate similar brain areas as actually experiencing an event, highlighting the power of thought.
  • Research shows that our ability to imagine plays a crucial role in problem-solving and creativity.
  • The brainโ€™s imagination networks contribute to empathy, allowing us to understand others' experiences by placing ourselves in their shoes.

Pop Culture

  • John Lennonโ€™s song 'Imagine' encourages a world of peace and unity, making the concept widely recognized as a vision of hope.
  • In literature, characters often venture into alternate realities by employing their imagination, inviting readers into new worlds.
  • Movies frequently explore themes of imagination, showcasing how characters use it to escape, innovate, or solve conflicts.

Psychology

  • Imagining future experiences can help individuals set goals and motivate behavior towards achieving them.
  • Sleep research indicates that dreaming is a form of imagination unfolding during sleep, reflecting our fears and desires.
  • Imaginative play in childhood is linked to social skills and emotional development, proving essential in personal growth.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the nature of imagination, questioning how it relates to reality and perception.
  • Imagination is essential in theoretical constructs, allowing people to construct scenarios that don't exist yet.
  • The concept of 'the imagination' has been influential in discussions about art, creativity, and human consciousness.

Origin of 'imagine'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'imaginari', meaning 'to picture oneself' or 'to form an image'.
  • The word has roots connecting it to various languages, indicating the universal human ability to visualize concepts.
  • The prefix 'im-' suggests 'in' or 'into', while 'agine' relates to action, thereby reflecting the act of forming ideas.

The word 'imagine' originated from the Middle English word 'ymagenen', which came from Old French 'imaginer', and from Latin 'imaginare' meaning 'to form a mental picture'. The term has been in use since the 14th century and has evolved to encompass both the act of creating mental images and supposing hypothetical situations.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,764, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.