Imaginary
/ɪˈmædʒɪnəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsExisting only in the mind or imagination; not real or existing in reality.
/ɪˈmædʒɪnəri/
Existing only in the imagination; not real.
The child had an imaginary friend who accompanied him everywhere.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a kid playing with your toys. The toys might be talking to each other and going on adventures, but that's all in your head, it’s imaginary! Imaginary means something isn't real, it's just made up.
👶 For kids: Made up in your mind and not real.
More Examples
The story features an imaginary kingdom and mythical characters.
He faced imaginary problems to test his problem-solving skills.
How It's Used
"The author created an imaginary world filled with fantastical creatures."
"The patient experienced imaginary fears during therapy."
Formed or existing as an image in the mind; related to imagination.
/ɪˈmædʒɪnəri/
Formed or existing as an image in the mind.
Her imaginary world was filled with beautiful creatures.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a picture in your head. That picture, before it's on paper, is imaginary! It's something you create in your mind.
👶 For kids: Made in your brain.
More Examples
The poet used vivid imagery to describe his imaginary journey.
The painting depicted an imaginary scene of a futuristic city.
How It's Used
"The artist brought his imaginary landscapes to life on canvas."
"The philosopher explored the role of imaginary constructs in human understanding."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
imaginary friend
A friend that exists only in the mind of a person, typically a child.
"The little girl always talked to her imaginary friend."
From Latin *imaginarius* ("of or belonging to images"), from *imaginari* ("to imagine"), from *imago* ("image").
The word 'imaginary' has been used since the 16th century, initially to describe images or representations, and later extended to refer to something unreal or existing only in the mind.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'image' – if something is imaginary, it exists as an image in your mind, not in the real world.
Word Origin
"of or belonging to images"