imagine

Formsimagines, imagining, imagined

1. 1
   pictureverbtransitive

   To make a picture or idea in your mind of something that is not there or not real.

   Like making a little movie play inside your head.

   Imagine a beach with white sand and clear blue water.

   She likes to imagine new endings for her favorite stories.

   UsageSay imagine + -ing: imagine living by the sea (not incorrect: imagine to live).

   Similarfancy

   Note
2. 2
   supposeverbtransitive

   To think something is probably true, though you do not know for sure.

   I imagine she has already left for work by now.

   They imagine the trip will take about three hours.

   UsageSay I imagine to make a soft guess: I imagine she has left.

3. 3
   believe a fictionverbtransitive

   To believe something is real when it is only in your mind.

   Like being sure a shadow is a monster when it is only a coat on a chair.

   He started to imagine strange noises in the empty house.

   Try not to imagine problems that aren't really there.

   UsagePeople often say you're just imagining things: it is not really there.

   Similarfancy

   Note
4. 4
   mock ideaverbslangsarcastictransitive

   Used to make fun of an idea by showing that it sounds silly.

   Imagine thinking you can pass the test without studying at all!

   Imagine spending all that money on a phone you never even use.

   UsageStart with Imagine + -ing to make fun of an idea: Imagine thinking that!

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