envision
gb/ɪnvˈɪʒən/ us/ɪnvˈɪʒən/
B2
English
~ 6200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Imagine a future situation
To think about the future and see a clear picture of how something could be.
Usage pattern:
[someone] envisions [something] (happening)
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "envision" without a clear object, saying things like "I envision" and stopping there. In most cases, English needs you to say what you envision (e.g. "I envision a better job" or "I envision working abroad"). Learners may also confuse "envision" with "plan"; "envision" is about imagining a future situation, while "plan" usually includes deciding specific steps.
Synonyms
imagine (The most general word; does not always suggest planning or a clear goal the way "envision" often does.)
|
foresee (Focuses more on prediction of what will actually happen, while "envision" is often about what you want or hope will happen.)
|
picture (More informal and visual; "envision" sounds slightly more formal and is common in planning or business contexts.)
Antonyms
dismiss (To refuse to think about something as a real possibility, which is the opposite of actively picturing it as a future situation.)
Collocations
envision a future
|envision a world where
|envision success
|envision a better life
|envision the possibilities
|envision a scenario
Themes
planning
|business
|goals
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company’s founder envisions a future where all cars are electric.
- City leaders envision a downtown filled with parks and outdoor cafés.
- I envision a world where everyone has access to clean water.
- The architect envisions the building as a bright, open space for the community.
- She envisions herself running her own business in ten years.
Learner examples
- I envision a happy life with my family.
- Our teacher envisions a classroom where students help each other.
- They envision a city with less traffic and more trees.
- He envisions his team winning the championship next year.
- We envision a better future for our children.
unknown
B2
action
2
Form a mental image
To see something in your mind, not with your eyes, when you hear or think about it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] envisions [something] in their mind
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "envision" is only about the future. In this sense, it can also be used for things in the present or past that you cannot see but can picture in your mind. Another mistake is to say "envision about" (e.g. "I envision about my goals"); in English, you usually say "envision something" without "about".
Synonyms
visualize (Very close in meaning; often used when you imagine something in a detailed, picture-like way, especially in sport or self-help contexts.)
|
picture (Slightly more informal; strongly emphasizes the visual image in the mind, similar to looking at a photograph.)
|
imagine (Broader and more common; can refer to thoughts and feelings, not only to clear mental images.)
Antonyms
see (To perceive something with your eyes in real life, which contrasts with only forming an image in your mind without actually seeing it.)
Collocations
easily envision
|try to envision
|difficult to envision
|can hardly envision
|envision the scene
|envision it in your mind
Themes
thinking
|perception
|learning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Try to envision the scene as I describe it to you.
- I can’t quite envision what the finished product will look like.
- The writer helps readers envision the characters through rich detail.
- It’s hard to envision the damage without seeing photos.
- Close your eyes and envision a calm, quiet beach.
Learner examples
- Close your eyes and envision a big, blue ocean.
- I can’t envision the house from your short description.
- The coach asked the players to envision the game in their minds.
- When I read a book, I envision the story like a movie.
- She tried to envision his face, but she could not remember it well.
Grammar
Dictionary form
envision
IPA
GB/ɪnvˈɪʒən/
US/ɪnvˈɪʒən/
Syllables & stress
en - vi - sion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (vi)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: envision
- 3rd Person Singular: envisions
- Present Participle: envisioning
- Past: envisioned
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.