visualize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'visualize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'visualize' to refer to forming a mental picture of something, or to describe making something visible. For example, you could say: "I used visualization techniques to help me envision my future career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were very hard to use and can only visualize objects in two dimensions, so we started thinking it would be useful to expand everything".

The Guardian

Having solved the puzzle so many times, elite cubers like Valk, Zemdegs, and Dieckmann are able to visualize what it will look like several steps in advance – an ability known in the sport as "look ahead"– so that, once the solve begins, they rarely have to pause to figure out their next move.

The Guardian - Tech

Ever since I read your article, I cannot stop myself from trying to visualize the beautiful Appalachian Mountains minus the tops.

The Economist

To visualize the sculptures of Praxiteles, therefore, it is well to remember how much colour added to the general effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was at about this moment, say 1930, in the history of the physics of fundamental particles that serious attempts to visualize the processes in terms of everyday notions were abandoned in favour of mathematical formalisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, in brief descriptions of his own age, which have not received as much attention as they deserve, he showed that he could both visualize the existence of sharp turning points in history and recognize that he was witnessing one of them: "When there is a general change of conditions... as if it were a new and repeated creation, a world brought into existence anew".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Encouraged to visualize episodes of violence or abuse during therapy, clients may subsequently have difficulty separating these imaginary events from reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All these effects help those present to visualize everything that the recited action of the shaman narrates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), three-dimensional diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize organs and structures inside the body without the need for X-rays or other radiation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This geometry is more difficult to visualize, but a helpful model presents the hyperbolic plane as the interior of a circle, in which straight lines take the form of arcs of circles perpendicular to the circumference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A way to visualize differentiability is to interpret the function f as a mapping from one plane to another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "visualize" when you want to emphasize the act of forming a mental image or making something visible, especially when dealing with abstract concepts or future scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "visualize" in contexts where a simpler verb would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. For instance, instead of saying 'I visualize a cat', consider 'I see a cat' or 'I imagine a cat' if it accurately conveys your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "visualize" functions primarily as a transitive verb. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the act of forming a mental image or making something visible. Examples show its use in both contexts: creating mental representations and using technology to see something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "visualize" is a versatile verb that describes both forming mental images and making things visible through external means. Ludwig AI confirms that "visualize" is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is common across various fields, particularly in encyclopedias, science, and news media. While widely accepted, consider if a simpler verb like "imagine" or "see" might be more appropriate for clarity. Remember to use "visualize" to emphasize the creation of a mental image or the act of making something visible through technology, enhancing understanding and planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form a mental image

A straightforward way of describing the creation of a visual representation in the mind.

see in one's mind's eye

A more descriptive way of saying to imagine or form a mental picture.

imagine

Focuses on the creation of a mental image, often without implying visual accuracy.

envision

Implies a more detailed and planned mental image, often of the future.

picture

Emphasizes the visual aspect of creating a mental image.

represent visually

Focuses on the act of depicting something in a visual form.

conceptualize

Focuses on forming a mental concept or idea, which may or may not be visual.

render visible

Emphasizes the act of making something that was previously invisible, now visible.

perceive

Highlights the act of becoming aware of something through the senses, particularly sight.

illustrate

Implies the use of examples or diagrams to make something clearer or more visible.

FAQs

How can I use "visualize" in a sentence?

You can use "visualize" to describe forming a mental picture of something, as in, "I try to "visualize" my goals to stay motivated", or to describe making something visible, as in, "Scientists use MRI to "visualize" internal organs".

What words can I use instead of "visualize"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "imagine", "envision", "picture", or "conceptualize" as alternatives to "visualize".

Is it correct to use "visualize" in a formal setting?

Yes, "visualize" is appropriate for formal settings, especially in academic, scientific, or business contexts where the act of forming mental images or making something visible is relevant. However, consider if a simpler term might be more effective for clarity.

What is the difference between "visualize" and "imagine"?

"Visualize" often implies a more detailed and concrete mental image, while "imagine" can be more abstract and less focused on visual detail. "Visualize" also can mean make visible through technology/methods, while "imagine" doesn't carry that meaning.