Imagine — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /i-ˈma-jən/ imag·ine

Meaning & Definition of Imagine

Imagine (verb)

  1. to form a mental image of (something not present) —often used with that, what, etc.
  2. suppose, guess
  3. to form a notion of without sufficient basis, fancy

Imagine (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to form a mental picture of

    "she was determined to have the wedding that she had always imagined"

    similar: conceit (chiefly dialect), conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy, fantasize, fantasy, feature, ideate, image, picture, see, vision, visualize
    related: daydream, stargaze, hallucinate, re-create, reflect, relive, reminisce, contemplate, meditate, muse, ponder, ruminate, concoct, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, plan, project, foresee, prefigure

  2. to have as an opinion

    "I imagine that's true, but you still have to prove it"

    similar: allow (chiefly Southern & Midland), believe, conceive, consider, deem, esteem, feel, figure, guess, hold, judge, reckon (chiefly dialect), suppose, think
    related: regard, view, accept, perceive, depend, rely, trust, assume, presume, presuppose, surmise, conclude, deduce, infer
    near: distrust, doubt, mistrust, question, suspect, disbelieve, discredit, reject

  3. to form an opinion from little or no evidence

    "I imagine things will change rapidly once we begin"

    similar: assume, conjecture, daresay, guess, presume, speculate, suppose, surmise, suspect, suspicion (chiefly dialect)
    related: conclude, deduce, gather, infer, hypothecate, hypothesize, theorize, believe, conceive, expect, judge, reckon (chiefly dialect), take, think
    near: demonstrate, document, establish, prove, substantiate, validate, ascertain, determine, find out, learn

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Imagine

The most common words with a similar meaning to Imagine:

Chiefly dialect: conceit, reckon, suspicion
Chiefly Southern & Midland: allow
conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy, fantasize, fantasy, feature, ideate, image, picture, see, vision, visualize, believe, consider, deem, esteem, feel, figure, guess, hold, judge, suppose, think, assume, conjecture, daresay, presume, speculate, surmise, suspect

Related Words for Imagine

daydream, stargaze, hallucinate, re-create, reflect, relive, reminisce, contemplate, meditate, muse, ponder, ruminate, concoct, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, plan, project, foresee, prefigure, regard, view, accept, perceive, depend, rely, trust, presuppose, conclude

Near Antonyms of Imagine

distrust, doubt, mistrust, question, suspect, disbelieve, discredit, reject, demonstrate, document, establish, prove, substantiate, validate, ascertain, determine, find out, learn

Word Forms of Imagine

Inflections: imagined, imagining

Origin & Etymology of Imagine

Middle English ymagynen, borrowed from Anglo-French ymaginer, borrowed from Latin imāginārī, verbal derivative of imāgin-, imāgō "representation, semblance, image:1"

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Imagine

Words & Phrases Containing Imagine

imagine that

Frequently Asked Questions about Imagine

What does "Imagine" mean?

"Imagine" means to form a mental image of (something not present) —often used with that, what, etc.. As a verb, it is defined as: to form a mental image of (something not present) —often used with that, what, etc.. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Imagine"?

Other words for "Imagine" include conceit, conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy and fantasize. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Imagine" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Imagine"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Imagine". Common alternatives include conceit, conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy, fantasize, fantasy and feature.

How do you use "Imagine" in a sentence?

Examples of "Imagine" in a sentence: "she was determined to have the wedding that she had always imagined"; "I imagine that's true, but you still have to prove it"; "I imagine things will change rapidly once we begin".

Is "Imagine" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Imagine" is a verb.

Is "Imagine" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Imagine" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Imagine"?

"Imagine" is pronounced /i-ˈma-jən/ and divided into syllables as imag·ine.

What is the origin of the word "Imagine"?

"Imagine" comes from Middle English ymagynen, borrowed from Anglo-French ymaginer, borrowed from Latin imāginārī, verbal derivative of imāgin-, imāgō "representation, semblance, image:1". First known use: 14th centuryt.