envision

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "envision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe what someone can or does see in their mind's eye or imagine. For example, "I envision a future where everyone has equal access to healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eighty-something percent of the world is on Android, so I need to envision how we protect on Android," says Kovacs.

The Guardian - Tech

However, after Scottish Independence I can envision a new "British" akin to Scandinavian identity.

The Guardian

Twelve months ago did I envision beginning my career this way?

The Guardian

Nor did he envision that it would impact fields as diverse as science, art, and design – the subject of "Beyond Rubik's Cube", an exhibit at the Liberty Science Center, in Jersey City, New Jersey, that opened 26 April to celebrate the puzzle's 40th anniversary.

The Guardian - Tech

These "Mumbai Slums Maps" envision that not only is there a need for a comprehensive masterplan for slum redevelopment and affordable housing in Mumbai, but that it is also possible to house the urban poor in affordable housing if all currently slum occupied land will be earmarked for this.

The Guardian

"When I show people that video, I tell people to not envision themselves with their foot hovering over the brake or with their white knuckles on the steering wheel, but rather they're in the back seat with the windows dark, doing a crossword puzzle or reading the newspaper, talking to family or whatever," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

So it is difficult to envision nationalism thriving.In other European countries where nationalist parties demanded self-rule for their region, regional government successfully met those demands, and satisfied all but the extremists.

The Economist

You're using a word that has less condemnatory power, and that many people can envision including themselves.

The Economist

Munira Fakhro, from Bahrain University, examines the domestic uprising in her own country, concluding that "it is difficult not to envision similar developments in the other Gulf states".THE PROCESS: 1,100 DAYS THAT CHANGED THE MIDDLE EAST.By Uri Savir.Random House; 352 pages; $27.95THIS is an Israeli view of the peace talks, showing Mr Arafat as a maddening but ultimately shrewd operator.

The Economist

Commentators who envision Barack Obama running on his foreign-policy successes in this year's campaign generally adduce examples like the assassination of Osama bin Laden and the crippling of al-Qaeda.

The Economist

He asks them to close their eyes and envision people who are less fortunate and live in a world without electricity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "envision" when you want to convey a proactive or imaginative act of seeing something in the mind's eye, especially in a planning or forecasting context.

Common error

Avoid using "envision" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of "A solution is envisioned," specify who is doing the envisioning: "The team envisions a solution."

Linguistic Context

The verb "envision" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the action of forming a mental image or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in written English. For example, "I envision a future where everyone has equal access to healthcare."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "envision" is a versatile verb used to express the act of imagining or conceiving something, particularly in future or hypothetical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its use is correct across diverse domains like News & Media and Science, though more common in professional and formal contexts. To maximize clarity, ensure the actor doing the envisioning is explicitly stated. Alternatives like "imagine" and "visualize" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imagine

Represents a general act of forming a mental image.

visualize

Focuses on creating a detailed mental picture.

picture

Suggests forming a mental image as if viewing a photograph or painting.

conceive

Highlights the process of forming an idea or concept in the mind.

foresee

Emphasizes anticipating or predicting future events.

anticipate

Suggests expecting something to happen and preparing for it.

contemplate

Implies thinking deeply about something.

dream

Focuses on a more fanciful or idealized mental image.

imagine a scenario

It frames the imagination in the context of potential situations.

speculate

Considers possibilities without firm evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "envision" in a sentence?

You can use "envision" to describe the act of imagining or conceiving something. For example, "I "envision" a world with clean energy for everyone."

What's a good alternative to "envision"?

Alternatives include "imagine", "visualize", or "picture" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "envision" and "imagine"?

While similar, "envision" often implies a more detailed or planned-out mental image compared to the more general term "imagine".

Can "envision" be used for both future and present scenarios?

"Envision" is typically used for future or hypothetical scenarios, rather than describing something currently visible. Use it to describe what you "foresee" or hope for.