Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

envision

American  
[en-vizh-uhn] / ɛnˈvɪʒ ən /

verb (used with object)

  1. to picture mentally, especially some future event or events.

    to envision a bright future.


envision British  
/ ɪnˈvɪʒən /

verb

  1. (tr) to conceive of as a possibility, esp in the future; foresee

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of envision

First recorded in 1920–25; en- 1 + vision

Compare meaning

How does envision compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Explanation

The verb envision means to imagine or picture. Kids often envision themselves doing exciting things when they grow up, like being movie stars, professional athletes, or astronauts. The word envision comes from the Latin en-, which means "cause to be," and visionem, meaning "a thing seen." Career paths aren't the only things that can be envisioned. If you envision a cleaner world, you may volunteer to pick up trash on the beach. If you envision a more peaceful world, you might make your brother and sister play in separate rooms to stop them from screaming at each other.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing envision

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.

Poor living conditions in Bangladesh however have also prompted some Rohingya to make precarious journeys on overcrowded vessels to Malaysia, a Muslim country which some envision to be a safe haven in the region.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The city represents what most people envision when they think of L.A.:

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

In his view, conventional medicine treats the body as discrete pieces, but it’s better to envision it as one system, where everything works in concert.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Though analysts envision various scenarios in which business conditions improve for Microsoft, it remains to be seen how quickly change could take hold or whether that would be enough to turn the stock around.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Emily could envision Mr. Griswold roaming this room, flipping through his books and playing with his toys.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman