imagery
- 01 C1 Advanced
vivid language in writing that helps you imagine a scene or feeling using your senses.
figurative or descriptive language used in literature to create mental images and sensory experiences for the reader.
Simple“The poet uses dark imagery to show how sad and lonely the character feels.”
In context“The author employs nautical imagery throughout the novel to reinforce the theme of being adrift in a changing society.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the general style of a work; countable when referring to specific instances.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
pictures, photographs, or other visual things used to show something.
visual representations or images collectively, often produced by a specific technique or for a specific purpose.
Simple“The website uses bright imagery of nature to attract tourists.”
In context“Satellite imagery provided the researchers with clear evidence of how the coastline had eroded over the last decade.”
UsageCommonly used in technical contexts like 'satellite imagery' or 'digital imagery'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
the pictures or ideas you create in your mind when thinking about something.
the formation of mental representations of objects or scenes that are not currently present to the senses.
Simple“Athletes often use mental imagery to practice their moves before a big game.”
In context“Psychologists study how guided imagery can help patients manage chronic pain by refocusing their internal attention.”
Synonymsvisualizationmental pictures
“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.”
From Middle English ymagerie, from Middle French imagerie; equivalent to image + -ry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.