imag·ine
Pronounced:
/ɪˈmæʤən/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
imag·ines; imag·ined; imagin·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 a : to think of or create (something that is not real) in your mind ▪ a writer who has imagined an entire world of amazing creatures b : to form a picture or idea in your mind of (something that is not real or present) ▪ He asked us to imagine a world without poverty or war. ▪ It's hard for me to imagine having children. —often + that ▪ Imagine that you are relaxing on the beach. —often + what, why, etc. ▪ It's hard to imagine what it would be like to be so wealthy. ▪ I'm sure you can imagine how I felt. ▪ I can't imagine why she would be so late. [=I do not understand why she is so late] ▪ “Why is she so late?” “I can't imagine.” —sometimes used in phrases that express surprise ▪ Can you imagine! A person like him being elected mayor! [=it is surprising or ridiculous to think of a person like him being elected mayor] ▪ Just imagine what such a change would mean! ▪ “This tree is more than 300 years old.” “Imagine that!” [=isn't that remarkable]
2 : to have or form (an idea or opinion that is not accurate or based on reality) ▪ She imagines that she is very charming. = She imagines herself to be very charming. [=she thinks that she is charming but actually she is not charming] ▪ He was imagining all sorts of terrible things happening. ▪ “What was that sound? I think there's someone in the house!” “Oh, you're just imagining things.”
3 : to think or believe (something) ▪ I imagine it will snow at some point today. ▪ It's difficult to imagine that these changes will really be effective. ▪ The company will do better next year, I imagine. ▪ It was worse than they had imagined.
2 : to have or form (an idea or opinion that is not accurate or based on reality) ▪ She imagines that she is very charming. = She imagines herself to be very charming. [=she thinks that she is charming but actually she is not charming] ▪ He was imagining all sorts of terrible things happening. ▪ “What was that sound? I think there's someone in the house!” “Oh, you're just imagining things.”
3 : to think or believe (something) ▪ I imagine it will snow at some point today. ▪ It's difficult to imagine that these changes will really be effective. ▪ The company will do better next year, I imagine. ▪ It was worse than they had imagined.