envisage

[en-viz-ij]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• envisagement 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

I ask him what kind of future he envisages for the 48 young lives he helped save.

Read more on BBC

Established in 1992, the Mercury Prize was envisaged as an antidote to the commercially-focused Brit Awards, recognising albums that moved music forwards, without any recourse to fashion or trends.

Read more on BBC

Johnson and Sothea envisaged Sovann Komar as “a safe, nurturing home where orphaned and abandoned children can develop—physically, intellectually and spiritually—to their fullest potential,” according to the project’s website.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It then envisages the establishment of a local, technocratic administration in Gaza to run day-to-day services, overseen by the "Board of Peace" who would be based in Egypt.

Read more on BBC

While Italy are currently preparing to sit out a third consecutive World Cup, such shock scenarios, which are all part of the drama, are hard to envisage should a 64-team tournament become a reality.

Read more on BBC