Word
imagery
Phoneticsim·agery
US/ˈɪmədʒɹi/
UK/ˈɪmɪdʒɹˌi/
Definitions
01literary descriptions
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. vivid language in writing that helps you imagine a scene or feeling using your senses.
n. figurative or descriptive language used in literature to create mental images and sensory experiences for the reader.
“The poet uses dark imagery to show how sad and lonely the character feels.”
“The author employs nautical imagery throughout the novel to reinforce the theme of being adrift in a changing society.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general style of a work; countable when referring to specific instances.
Synonyms
02visual representations
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. pictures, photographs, or other visual things used to show something.
n. visual representations or images collectively, often produced by a specific technique or for a specific purpose.
“The website uses bright imagery of nature to attract tourists.”
“Satellite imagery provided the researchers with clear evidence of how the coastline had eroded over the last decade.”
Usage
Commonly used in technical contexts like 'satellite imagery' or 'digital imagery'.
03mental pictures
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the pictures or ideas you create in your mind when thinking about something.
n. the formation of mental representations of objects or scenes that are not currently present to the senses.
“Athletes often use mental imagery to practice their moves before a big game.”
“Psychologists study how guided imagery can help patients manage chronic pain by refocusing their internal attention.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “imagery” in context.
Verb
01. analyze the imagery
“Students were asked to analyze the imagery in the first chapter to identify recurring themes.”
verb + noun
02. conjure up imagery
“The speaker's words conjured up imagery of a future where technology and nature coexist.”
verb + adv + noun
03. employ imagery
“The director employs stark imagery to highlight the isolation of the main character.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. evocative imagery
“The poem relies on evocative imagery to convey a sense of profound nostalgia.”
adj + noun
05. religious imagery
“Renaissance art is heavily saturated with religious imagery and symbolism.”
adj + noun
06. vivid imagery
“The novelist is celebrated for using vivid imagery that transports readers to the heart of the Amazon.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. satellite imagery
“Meteorologists use satellite imagery to track the development of tropical storms in real time.”
noun + noun
08. wealth of imagery
“The play contains a wealth of imagery related to light and darkness.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Satellite imagery from 10 August shows the slick visible across an area of more than 300 sq km (116 sq miles) - the size of more than 40,000 football pitches.” “Environmental NGO Greenpeace said on Thursday that, based on satellite imagery, the spill had grown from 45 square kilometres (17sq miles) in late July to about 1,300sq kilometres (502sq miles) as of Wednesday.” “They pooled resources to buy expensive satellite imagery of the village during their displacement.” “The findings draw on more than 1,600 sources, including over 750 witness accounts, along with photographs, video, forensic evidence and satellite imagery.” Etymology
From Middle English ymagerie, from Middle French imagerie; equivalent to image + -ry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/imagery