Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Imagine: Definition, Examples, and How to Use It (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：form a mental image (imagine)

imagine 🔊

/ɪˈmædʒ.ɪn/

To form a picture or idea in your mind of something that is not real or not present.

Child imagining a dog and castle in clouds

form a mental image 🔊

➕

/fɔːrm ə ˈmentl ˈɪmɪdʒ/

To create a mental picture or concept of something that is not currently present or real.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'imaginari' (to form an image), derived from 'imago' (image, likeness).

💡 Mnemonic

'I'm a gin' - picture yourself as a genius creating vivid scenes in your mind.

📖 Example

As a child, I used to imagine I was an astronaut exploring distant planets. 🔊 When I was a child, I often pictured myself as an astronaut exploring faraway planets.

🔗 Collocations

imagine a world – to conceive of a world

imagine the possibilities – to consider potential outcomes

imagine yourself – to picture oneself in a situation

🔄 Synonyms

visualize (v.) – To form a mental image of something.

envision (v.) – To picture or foresee something in the mind.

conceive (v.) – To form an idea or mental representation.

🚫 Antonyms

disregard (v.) – To pay no attention to; ignore.

ignore (v.) – To refuse to acknowledge or consider.

🌱 Derivatives

imagination (n.) – The ability to form new images and ideas.

imaginative (adj.) – Having or showing creativity.

imaginary (adj.) – Existing only in the mind.

📖 Cultural Story

Rooted in Latin 'imago' (image). The verb 'imagine' entered Middle English via Old French, evolving from the concept of forming mental pictures.

Meaning 2：suppose or assume (imagine)

imagine 🔊

/ɪˈmædʒ.ɪn/

To suppose or think that something is possible or likely, based on some feeling or incomplete information.

Two people discussing an idea at a café table

suppose or assume 🔊

➕

/səˈpoʊz ɔːr əˈsuːm/

To think or believe that something is likely or true, often based on partial information.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I imagine the new park will be very popular with families once it opens next month. 🔊 I suppose the new park will be very popular with families once it opens next month.

🔗 Collocations

I imagine so – I think yes

I imagine that – I believe that

can't imagine – I find it hard to believe

🔄 Synonyms

suppose (v.) – To assume something is true without proof.

assume (v.) – To take for granted that something is true.

guess (v.) – To estimate or conclude without sufficient information.

🚫 Antonyms

know (v.) – To be certain of something.

doubt (v.) – To feel uncertain about something.

🌱 Derivatives

imagination (n.) – The ability to form new ideas; also used in 'by any stretch of the imagination'.

imaginable (adj.) – Possible to conceive or believe.

unimaginable (adj.) – Not possible to imagine or believe.