Imagining
ɪˈmædʒɪnɪŋ
Definitions
The process of forming a picture in your mind of something that is not present, or of conceiving of something in the mind.
ɪˈmædʒɪnɪŋ
The act of forming a mental image or concept of something not present.
She spent the afternoon imagining her future.
💡 Simply: It's like when you close your eyes and create a movie in your head! You're imagining a fun adventure when you daydream.
👶 For kids: Thinking about something that is not real, like a unicorn or a trip to the moon!
More Examples
I find imagining a solution to be more effective than worrying.
The architect started imagining the new building's design.
How It's Used
"The author excels at imagining fantastical worlds."
"Therapists often encourage patients to practice imagining positive outcomes."
Idioms & expressions
Let your imagination run wild
To allow your thoughts to be creative and unrestrained.
"In art class, the teacher encouraged us to let our imaginations run wild."
A flight of fancy
An imaginative idea or story, typically one that is unrealistic.
"His plan to build a rocket ship seemed like a flight of fancy."
From Middle English imaginacioun, from Old French imaginacion, from Latin imaginatio ('a picturing, image, idea'), from imaginari ('to picture, imagine').
The term 'imagining' has existed in written English since the Middle Ages, reflecting humanity's long-standing capacity for imagination.
Memory tip
Imagine an image in your mind.