envisage

[ en-viz-ij ]

verb (used with object)

, en·vis·aged, en·vis·ag·ing.

1. to contemplate; visualize:

   He envisages an era of great scientific discoveries.

   Synonyms: envision, conceive, imagine, picture

2. Archaic. to look in the face of; face.

envisage

/ ɪnˈvɪzɪdʒ /

verb

1. to form a mental image of; visualize; contemplate
2. to conceive of as a possibility in the future; foresee
3. archaic.
   to look in the face of; confront

Usage

It was formerly considered incorrect to use a clause after envisage as in it is envisaged that the new centre will cost £40 million , but this use is now acceptable

Derived Forms

• enˈvisagement, noun

Other Words From

• en·visage·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of envisage¹

From the French word envisager, dating back to 1810–20. See en- ¹, visage

Word History and Origins

Origin of envisage¹

C19: from French envisager, from en- ¹+ visage face, visage

Example Sentences

All three envisage Assad staying in power—at least in the short term.

From The Daily Beast

In a darkened movie theater, we allow filmmakers to deliver into our minds a false world to envisage.

From The Daily Beast

He triumphed because he had the moral imagination to envisage a relationship beyond confrontation and war.

From The Daily Beast

Does he envisage the possibility of a political stalemate in Iraq?

From The Daily Beast

Our open-door policy will continue, so I would envisage more member states than today.

From The Daily Beast

Joao Gomez had opened one eye far enough to envisage the eloquent intruder and to locate his broom.

From Project Gutenberg

But there is the fact, if Harriet can only bring her—shall I say stiff-necked prejudices to envisage it?'

From Project Gutenberg

This is the object which animals envisage in their perceptions from the beginning.

From Project Gutenberg

With regret I add that she did not envisage the episode in that light.

From Project Gutenberg

But it is certain that in discussing education we ought constantly to envisage the actual individuals to be educated.

From Project Gutenberg