envisage

American  

[en-viz-ij] / ɛnˈvɪz ɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

envisaged, envisaging

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.

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envisage British  

/ 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

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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

Other Word Forms

• envisagement noun

Etymology

Origin of envisage

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

Compare meaning

How does envisage compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• envisage vs. envision