Meaning & use
envisage
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To imagine or expect something as a future possibility.
Grammar: Takes an object, often a clause with that or an -ing form: envisage that it will happen; envisage doing something.
Patterns
- envisage something
- envisage that
- envisage doing something
- envisage something as something
I envisage a time when all cars will be electric.
She envisages working abroad after graduation.
The plan envisages building three new schools.
verbtransitiveformal
To form a mental picture of something; visualize.
Grammar: Often used with a clause or a noun phrase: envisage what it will look like.
Patterns
- envisage something
- envisage what/where/how
Can you envisage how the final design will look?
He tried to envisage the scene in his mind.
Word forms
| third person singular | envisages |
|---|---|
| past tense | envisaged |
| past participle | envisaged |
| -ing form | envisaging |
Common combinations
- envisage a future
- The author envisages a future without pollution.
- envisage doing something
- I don't envisage moving house this year.
- envisage that
- We envisage that the project will take six months.
- envisage a role
- She envisages a role for herself in the new company.
- as envisaged
- The event went as envisaged.
Synonyms and how they differ
- envision
- More common in American English; often interchangeable, but envision can sound slightly more literary.
- imagine
- More general and common; can refer to unrealistic or fantasy situations, while envisage often suggests a realistic future plan.
- visualize
- Focuses on forming a clear mental picture, not necessarily a future plan.
- foresee
- Means to know or expect something will happen, based on evidence, rather than just imagine it.
Word family
- envisagement noun
- Rare; the act of envisaging.
Commonly confused: envisage or envision?
envisage vs envision
Envisage is more common in British English, while envision is more common in American English; they have the same meaning.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'The company ______ expanding into Asia next year.'
Choose one answer.
The subject 'The company' is third person singular, so the verb takes -s: envisages. The base form envisage would be used with plural subjects like 'They envisage'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “envisage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.