imagine
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
imagines;
imagined;
imagining
imagines;
imagined;
imagining
Britannica Dictionary definition of IMAGINE
[+ object]
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)
— often + that
— often + what, why, etc.
— sometimes used in phrases that express surprise
-
He asked us to imagine a world without poverty or war.
-
It's hard for me to imagine having children.
-
Imagine that you are relaxing on the beach.
-
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.”
-
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.
