Word
envision
Phoneticsen·vi·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈvɪʒən/
UK/ɛnvˈɪʒən/
Definition
v. to imagine something as a future possibility. You use this when you have a clear picture in your mind of how something could be.
v. to imagine or conceive of a future possibility or event. Often implies a structured or purposeful mental visualization rather than a fleeting thought.
Examples
“I envision a world where everyone has clean water.”
“The architect asked the clients how they envision using the open-plan space during the winter months.”
“Economists envision a significant shift in global trade patterns as emerging markets develop more robust internal consumer bases and reduce their reliance on raw material exports.”
Examples
simple
“I envision a world where everyone has clean water.”
contextual
“The architect asked the clients how they envision using the open-plan space during the winter months.”
complex
“Economists envision a significant shift in global trade patterns as emerging markets develop more robust internal consumer bases and reduce their reliance on raw material exports.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and often takes a gerund (-ing form) or a 'that' clause as its object.
Pitfall
I envision to move to Spain
I envision moving to Spain
Envision is followed by a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive.
Real-World Examples
“Imagine your community has a project it is envisioning but is struggling to find the right funding.” “This literature also allows them to envision another world without racism, and full of Black children and communities thriving.” Etymology
From en- + vision, from Latin visionem (“a thing or sight seen”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/envision