Imagine
/ɪˈmædʒɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo form a mental picture or idea of something that is not present or real.
/ɪˈmædʒɪn/
To form a mental image or concept of something.
Imagine a world without pollution.
💡 Simply: Imagine is like when you close your eyes and make a movie in your head. It could be something you want to happen, something you're afraid of, or even something silly!
👶 For kids: To make a picture in your head.
More Examples
I can easily imagine her reaction to the news.
Try to imagine what it would be like to walk on the moon.
How It's Used
"I can't imagine life without coffee."
"The author encourages the reader to imagine the scene vividly."
To suppose or guess something, often based on available information or intuition.
/ɪˈmædʒɪn/
To suppose or guess something.
I imagine that he’ll be very busy this week.
💡 Simply: Imagine can also mean you think something might be true. Like, "I imagine it's going to rain today." You don't know for sure, but you're making a guess!
👶 For kids: To think that something might be true.
More Examples
They imagine the project will be completed by next month.
I imagine you must be tired after your long trip.
How It's Used
"I imagine that he will be late."
"I imagine the test will be difficult."
Idioms & expressions
You can't imagine...
To emphasize the great degree of something or to express that the listener can't understand how something is.
"You can't imagine how happy I was to see her."
Let's imagine
An invitation to consider a hypothetical situation or scenario.
"Let's imagine we have unlimited resources."
From Latin *imaginari* meaning 'to form a mental picture', from *imago* meaning 'image'.
The word 'imagine' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the creation of mental images.
Memory tip
Imagine an image forming in your mind!
Word Origin
"to form a mental picture"