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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Image: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：visual representation (image)

image 🔊

/ˈɪm.ɪdʒ/

A picture of someone or something that you can see, like in a photo, mirror, or on a screen.

Image definition illustrated by a smartphone displaying a clear mountain landscape photo.

visual representation 🔊

➕

/ˈvɪʒ.u.əl ˌrɛp.rɪ.zɛnˈteɪ.ʃən/

A likeness or depiction of something seen, often produced through photography, drawing, or displayed on a screen.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'imago', meaning a copy, likeness, or representation.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'I Make A Great Emulation'. An IMAGE is a created likeness.

📖 Example

I love using my phone to capture the image of a beautiful sunset. 🔊 I love using my phone to capture a visual representation of a beautiful sunset.

🔗 Collocations

capture an image – to take a photograph or create a picture of something

mirror image – an exact reflection or copy of something

project an image – to display a picture onto a surface using light

🔄 Synonyms

picture (n.) – A general term for a representation of someone or something, similar to image.

photo (n.) – A shortened, informal term for photograph; a picture taken with a camera.

depiction (n.) – A representation in art or words, focusing on the act of portraying.

🚫 Antonyms

reality (n.) – The state of things as they actually exist, in contrast to a representation of them.

blur (n.) – Something that cannot be seen clearly, lacking a defined image.

🌱 Derivatives

imaginary (adj.) – Existing only in the imagination; not real.

imagine (v.) – To form a mental picture or concept of something.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'image' entered English via Old French from Latin 'imāgin-' (stem of 'imāgo'), meaning a likeness or copy. Its root connects deeply to concepts of imitation and representation, foundational to art and later, technology like photography and digital media, reflecting our drive to recreate and perceive reality.

Meaning 2：public perception (image)

image 🔊

/ˈɪm.ɪdʒ/

The way people think about a person, company, or product; the overall impression they give.

Public image concept shown by a person adjusting their tie in a mirror reflection.

public perception 🔊

➕

/ˈpʌb.lɪk pɚˈsɛp.ʃən/

The collective perception or reputation of a person, organization, or product formed in the minds of others.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The company spent a lot of money to improve its public image regarding environmental protection. 🔊 The company spent a lot of money to improve its public perception regarding environmental protection.

🔗 Collocations

manage one's image – to control how one is perceived by the public

corporate image – the overall impression that a business presents to the public

tarnish the image – to damage or spoil a reputation or perception

🔄 Synonyms

reputation (n.) – The beliefs or opinions generally held about someone or something, built over time.

impression (n.) – An idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, often formed quickly.

brand (n.) – The identity and image of a product or company as perceived by consumers.

🚫 Antonyms

reality (n.) – The true state of affairs, as opposed to the manufactured perception.

anonymity (n.) – The state of being unknown or having no distinct public image.

🌱 Derivatives

imagery (n.) – Visually descriptive language or the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

imagine (v.) – To form a mental picture or concept of something.