verb
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to form a mental image of; visualize; contemplate
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to conceive of as a possibility in the future; foresee
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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
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It's hard to envisage a lightning bolt at this stage.
From BBC
"I never did envisage even playing for Scotland," he admits.
From BBC
At some stage, where the heat will be a factor, I could envisage Harry Kane playing around an hour and Bellingham coming on to replace him.
From BBC
“We envisage over 20% upside to our price target,” he says.
“He never really envisaged the need to decrease expenditure; rather, he always sought enhanced income to solve his financial issues.”
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.