Imagined: meaning, definitions and examples

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imagined

 

[ ΙͺˈmΓ¦dΚ’Ιͺnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

creative thought

Imagined refers to the act of forming a concept or image in one's mind of something that is not present or does not exist. Often associated with creativity, imagination allows individuals to visualize scenarios, create stories, or generate solutions to problems. The term is derived from the word 'imagine', which emphasizes the process of mental creation. It can also signify the ability to think abstractly about possibilities and ideas. Imagination is a crucial element in arts and various fields of innovation.

Synonyms

conceived, dreamed, envisioned, fantasized, visualized

Examples of usage

  • She imagined a world without limits.
  • He imagined he could fly.
  • They imagined their future together.
  • I imagined the story differently.

Etymology

The verb 'imagine' comes from the Latin 'imaginari', which means 'to form a mental image'. This is derived from the noun 'imago', meaning 'image' or 'likeness'. The word evolved through Old French before integrating into the English language in the late 14th century. Initially, it carried the sense of 'to picture in the mind' or 'to suppose'. Over centuries, the significance of imagination has expanded, playing a vital role in arts and literature. It has become a fundamental aspect of human cognition and creativity, allowing us to explore the abstract, hypothesize about events, and innovate.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,634, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.