Envision

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈvɪʒən/

Definitions

• To imagine or visualize something in your mind.
• To think of something as being true or real in the future.
• To form a mental image or concept of something not yet experienced.

Usage Examples

• "She could envision a bright future for her children."
• "The architect envisioned a new design for the building."
• "He envisioned success in his career, despite the challenges."

Etymology

Late Middle English, from the Latin word 'in' (in) + 'videre' (to see). The term evolved in usage to imply seeing mentally or imagining.

Synonyms

• Imagine
• Visualize
• Picture
• Envisage
• Foresee

Antonyms

• Ignore
• Disregard
• Overlook
• Miss

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, it is pronounced as /ɪnˈvɪʒən/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar, but the "v" sound is slightly softer.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation is close to the British version, with a slightly drawn-out vowel sound.

Historical Usage

The verb 'envision' first appeared in the 16th century, derived from 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'vision' referring to 'sight' or 'the act of seeing'. It originally meant 'to look into the future' but has since evolved to encompass the idea of mentally imagining or visualizing something.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, envisioning something often plays a crucial role in planning or goal setting. In Western cultures, it is frequently associated with visualizing success, while in Eastern cultures, it may also refer to a meditative process of mental preparation and clarity.

More Information

'Envision' is often used in discussions about future aspirations, artistic creativity, and planning. It implies an active process of forming a mental picture, not just a passive imagining. This term has also been utilized in business and self-help contexts, where envisioning success is a key part of achieving personal and professional goals. The act of envisioning is thought to play a role in making abstract dreams and desires more tangible and attainable.