Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

“He never really envisaged the need to decrease expenditure; rather, he always sought enhanced income to solve his financial issues.”

From The Wall Street Journal