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

In one note, he envisaged the aftermath of a public hanging, with "surgeons fighting over corpses".

From BBC

"What the government didn't envisage was the tax advantages would be abused and turned into a financial product," said investment fraud lawyer Ben Rees.

From BBC

Liverpool couldn't envisage what was about to happen, however, as Palace effectively reneged on an agreement to sell, because of difficulty in signing an experienced replacement.

From BBC

No government has ever tried to build prison-like detention facilities for 24,000 people in 18 months - the time scales envisaged by Reform - or at the cost claimed.

From BBC

At other times, he has taken a softer tone, and has said he simply envisages the meeting to be a "feel-out" exercise.

From BBC