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envision

American  
[en-vizh-uhn] / ɛnˈvɪʒ ən /

verb (used with object)

envisions, present (3rd person singular) envisioned, past participle, past envisioning present participle
  1. to picture mentally, especially some future event or events.

    to envision a bright future.


envision British  
/ ɪnˈvɪʒən /

verb

  1. (tr) to conceive of as a possibility, esp in the future; foresee

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of envision

First recorded in 1920–25; en- 1 + vision

Compare meaning

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Explanation

The verb envision means to imagine or picture. Kids often envision themselves doing exciting things when they grow up, like being movie stars, professional athletes, or astronauts. The word envision comes from the Latin en-, which means "cause to be," and visionem, meaning "a thing seen." Career paths aren't the only things that can be envisioned. If you envision a cleaner world, you may volunteer to pick up trash on the beach. If you envision a more peaceful world, you might make your brother and sister play in separate rooms to stop them from screaming at each other.

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Vocabulary lists containing envision

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But far from getting caught up in nostalgia, Ochoa is beginning to envision what comes after retirement.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

In that way, the pool encapsulates this much bigger, more abstract issue in something readers can easily envision.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

Even people who have witnessed the journey from a 19-year-old making his first-team breakthrough - after joining Southport on loan from Blackburn Rovers - have struggled to envision Raya's rise.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Government development plans envision the expansion of existing naval and air facilities across the islands.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

You have to envision your dreams as if they’re already real.

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau

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