visionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "visionary" is correct and well written in English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has original ideas about what the future could be like or someone who is able to envision a better future. Example: "The CEO is a visionary leader who has transformed the company with innovative strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DW After winning the prize for best chef at the 2014 Young British Foodie awards, it was unlikely that 29-year-old Tomos Parry would be held for too much longer by the visionary but grungey Climpson's Arch in east London (currently home to Som Saa from Andy Oliver, another great cook).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He had an absolute focus on bread and butter issues, and because of that was able to focus on visionary things, like building the Royal theatre, or fixing up the historic buildings at Macquarie street, saving the rainforests, introducing anti-discrimination laws, but above all I think saving the rainforest," Carr said.

The Guardian

There is public goodwill if there is decisive and visionary leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shorten contests that the 2014 federal budget did not fail because it was "too exciting, too visionary or too bold", but rather that major policy objectives stalled in the Senate because they were "fundamentally unfair".

The Guardian

By coincidence, yesterday I popped into a Politeia thinktank session to listen to a very different kind of self-appointed visionary.

The Guardian

Once Munch and Van Gogh made "madness" a positive value in modern art, a key to visionary truth, it was only a matter of time before the medical profession too started to see new connections between art and the mind.

The Guardian

She was a medic, botanist, mystic, visionary, playwright and poet.

The Guardian - Music

Tessa Ross, controller of film and drama at Channel 4, who were early backers of 12 Years a Slave said: "This is a very exciting day – Steve is already acclaimed as one of the worlds' leading contemporary visual artists and is now being recognised as a truly visionary feature film-maker on the international stage".

The Guardian - Film

They include some of the most powerful visionary paintings of all time.

The Guardian - Arts

But if we miss the positive side of the equation, and don't support visionary African leaders to get things done, then we hold back the development that is the key to Africa's continued success.

The Guardian

Malcolm Turnbull's claim that coding is the key tool to unlock future prosperity for Australia might sound visionary, but it's not supported by the economic data.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "visionary" when you want to emphasize the originality and impact of someone's ideas about the future.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "visionary" without providing concrete examples or evidence to support this claim. Overselling without proof diminishes the impact of the word.

Linguistic Context

The word "visionary" functions primarily as an adjective to describe someone or something characterized by foresight and original, innovative ideas. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it is frequently used to describe leaders, artists, or plans with a focus on the future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "visionary" is a powerful adjective used to describe individuals or ideas that exhibit foresight and innovation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, business, and academia. When using "visionary", it's important to provide specific examples to support the claim and avoid overuse without substantiation. Alternatives like "farsighted" and "innovative" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to highlight the original and impactful nature of the ideas or individuals you are describing to truly capture the essence of the word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

farsighted

Focuses specifically on the ability to see and plan for the future.

innovative

Emphasizes the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.

forward-thinking

Highlights a focus on future developments and possibilities.

imaginative

Stresses the creativity and inventiveness of someone's ideas.

prescient

Suggests an almost prophetic ability to foresee future events.

enterprising

Implies a readiness to undertake new and daring ventures.

strategic

Focuses on planning and long-term goals.

groundbreaking

Indicates pioneering work that opens up new avenues.

pioneering

Emphasizes being the first to develop or use something.

ingenious

Highlights cleverness and resourcefulness in creating or designing.

FAQs

How can I use "visionary" in a sentence?

You can use "visionary" to describe leaders, artists, or thinkers who have innovative and forward-thinking ideas. For example, "Steve Jobs was a "visionary" leader in the tech industry".

What are some synonyms for "visionary"?

Alternatives to "visionary" include "farsighted", "innovative", and "forward-thinking", each emphasizing different aspects of having a long-term perspective and original ideas.

Is it appropriate to use "visionary" in formal writing?

Yes, "visionary" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing someone's leadership or innovative contributions. However, ensure the context supports the claim and provide specific examples.

What is the difference between "visionary" and "idealistic"?

"Visionary" implies having practical and innovative ideas about the future, while "idealistic" suggests a focus on principles and values, sometimes without considering practicality. A "visionary" may also be idealistic, but the terms aren't interchangeable.