Image
/ˈɪmɪdʒ/
Definitions
4 meaningsA representation of the form of a person or object, such as a painting or photograph.
/ˈɪmɪdʒ/
A visual representation of something.
The image on the screen was blurry.
💡 Simply: Think of a photo or a drawing. It's like a copy of what something looks like. Like when you take a selfie – that's an image!
👶 For kids: A picture of someone or something.
More Examples
She saved the image to her computer.
The museum displayed ancient images of gods and goddesses.
How It's Used
"The photographer captured a stunning image of the sunset."
"The artist's paintings created powerful images."
"The website displayed high-resolution images."
A mental representation of something; a concept, idea, or impression.
/ˈɪmɪdʒ/
A mental representation of something.
I had an image of what the cake would look like.
💡 Simply: It’s what you picture in your head. Like when you close your eyes and imagine a beach – that’s an image in your mind.
👶 For kids: A picture in your head!
More Examples
The advertisement created a strong image of success.
His words painted a clear image of the events.
How It's Used
"She had a vivid image of her childhood home in her mind."
"The author used powerful images to evoke emotions in the reader."
To create a representation or likeness of something.
/ˈɪmɪdʒ/
To create a visual representation of something.
The satellite imaged the surface of the planet.
💡 Simply: To take a picture or make a copy of something. Think of taking a photo of your cat; you’re imaging your cat.
👶 For kids: To make a picture of something.
More Examples
The artist imaged the landscape on canvas.
We're imaging the hard drive to back it up.
How It's Used
"The program can image the data on a hard drive."
"Doctors use imaging technology like X-rays to diagnose patients."
The public perception of a person, organization, or product.
/ˈɪmɪdʒ/
Public Perception
The celebrity worked hard to maintain a positive image.
💡 Simply: How people think of something. Like how people see a brand – that's its image. Is it cool? Is it trustworthy?
👶 For kids: How people think about someone or something.
More Examples
The company's image suffered after the scandal.
They needed to repair the damaged image of the brand.
How It's Used
"The company invested heavily in improving its image."
"The candidate hired a public relations firm to manage their image."
Idioms & expressions
image consultant
A professional who advises clients on how to improve their personal or professional image.
"The politician hired an image consultant to refine his public persona."
mirror image
Something that is almost exactly the same as something else, but in reverse.
"The twins were mirror images of each other."
From Old French *image*, from Latin *imāgō* (“likeness, portrait, statue, appearance, ghost”), from the Proto-Indo-European root *(h₂)im- (“to copy, imitate”).
The word 'image' has been used since the 13th century and has evolved from primarily referring to physical representations to encompass mental concepts and public perception.
Memory tip
Imagine a picture of something in your mind – that's an image!
Word Origin
"likeness, representation"