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.

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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

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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:

• envisage vs. envision

Example Sentences

In a final, unsent letter, addressed to Maximilien Robespierre, she wrote, “speak; it is something to know one’s fate, and with a soul like mine, one is capable of envisaging it.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Garvey envisaged a new nation built by the descendants of African slaves.

From Salon

In an essay on Marianne Moore’s “England,” for example, Vendler writes that “Moore dared to envisage an audience as extravagantly informed as herself.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S.-backed peace plan envisages the exchange of the remaining prisoners on an “all-for-all” basis.

From The Wall Street Journal

A new scheme envisages adding volunteers to the structure.

From BBC