verb
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to form a mental image of; visualize; contemplate
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to conceive of as a possibility in the future; foresee
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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
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.
Kelly: When you were little, though, it probably wasn't something that she would have envisaged for her daughter anyway, was it?
From BBC
He said that while he was still working his way through submissions, it was clear there was "overwhelming support to modify the approach envisaged in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap".
From BBC
He added the role was harder than he envisaged, but stressed work on the training ground can spark a revival.
From Barron's
Among the constitutional reforms envisaged are prime ministerial term limits, a directly elected upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers and increased judicial independence.
From BBC
There is certainly room for both forwards but right now, it's hard to envisage Liverpool starting a game without Ekitike leading the line.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
