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vision

n. · v.
US //ˈvɪʒən// UK //vˈɪʒən// vi·sion
  1. 1 ability to see (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the physical ability to see with your eyes.

    the physiological faculty of sight or the ability to perceive objects through the eyes.

    Example

    The doctor tested her vision to see if she needed new glasses.

    Example

    The patient reported a gradual decline in peripheral vision, prompting the specialist to order a series of neurological tests.

  2. 2 plan for the future (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a clear idea or hope for how something should be in the future.

    a mental image or strategic plan of what the future could or should be like.

    Example

    The new manager has a bold vision for the company's growth.

    Example

    The architect's vision for the urban park integrated sustainable technology with accessible public spaces, earning praise from the city council.

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  1. 3 dream or ghost (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary Religion

    something you see in a dream, a trance, or a religious experience.

    a vivid mental image or supernatural appearance experienced while awake or in a dream-like state.

    Example

    The monk claimed to have a vision of an angel while he was praying.

    Example

    In the epic poem, the hero is guided by a vision of his ancestors, who warn him of the dangers ahead.

  2. 4 beautiful person (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a person who looks very beautiful or impressive.

    a person or thing of extraordinary beauty or loveliness.

    Example

    She was a vision in her white silk dress.

    Example

    The restored cathedral was a vision of Gothic architecture, drawing tourists from across the continent to admire its intricate stonework.

  3. 5 to imagine (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    to imagine or see something clearly in your mind.

    to imagine or perceive something as if in a vision; often used in creative or spiritual contexts.

    Example

    He tried to vision a world where everyone lived in peace.

    Example

    The poet sought to vision the afterlife through a series of complex metaphors and vivid sensory descriptions.

Origin

From Middle English visioun, from Anglo-Norman visioun, from Old French vision, from Latin vīsiō (“vision, seeing”), noun of action from the perfect passive participle visus (“that which is seen”), from the verb videō (“I see”) + action noun suffix -iō.

Word family

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