Meaning & Definition of word "Imagination"

Imagination

/ɪˌmædʒ.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

noun:

  • 1. The faculty or action of forming new ideas, images, or concepts of external objects not present to the senses.
    • Example: Her imagination knew no bounds, allowing her to create worlds far beyond reality.
  • 2. The ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful.
    • Example: He used his imagination to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • 3. The part of the mind that imagines or dreams.
    • Example: In her imagination, she traveled to distant lands and met extraordinary people.
  • 4. A mental representation or concept.
    • Example: The story was so vivid that it painted a picture in my imagination that stayed with me.
  • 5. An unrealistic hope or belief.
    • Example: His expectation of winning the lottery was merely a product of his imagination.

Etymology

From Latin 'imaginatio', from 'imaginari' meaning 'to form an image'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

wild imagination:

A very active or inventive imagination.

let your imagination run wild:

To allow your thoughts to be free and creative without limitations.

power of imagination:

The ability of the imagination to create or influence.

Related Words

imaginative:

Having a creative or inventive mind.

image:

A representation of the external form of a person or thing in art.

fantasy:

The faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable.

Slang Meanings of imagination

Meaning: Brainstorming

Example Sentence: Let's do some brainstorming for our project.

Meaning: Daydreaming

Example Sentence: He spent the class daydreaming instead of paying attention.