images

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Pictures or photographs, especially ones shown on a screen or in a publication.

   Grammar: This is the plural of 'image'. Use it when talking about more than one picture. For a single picture, use 'image'.

   Patterns

   • images of someone/something
   • images on something
   • a collection of images

   The website displays high-quality images of the products.

   She shared images from her trip on social media.

   The news report included images of the protest.

2. 2nounplural

   Mental pictures or ideas that you have of someone or something.

   Grammar: Used to talk about pictures in your mind. Often followed by 'of'.

   Patterns

   • images of someone/something
   • create images in your mind

   The book creates vivid images in the reader's mind.

   He had disturbing images of the accident.

3. 3nouncountable

   The way that someone or something appears to other people; reputation.

   Grammar: Usually singular in this sense, but the plural can be used when talking about multiple people or things.

   Patterns

   • public image
   • improve your image

   The company is trying to improve its public image.

   Politicians often worry about their images.

Word forms

Common combinations

digital images

Digital images are easy to edit and share.

graphic images

The documentary showed graphic images of the war.

body image

Many teenagers struggle with body image issues.

public image

The scandal damaged the politician's public image.

Synonyms and how they differ

pictures

More general and informal; can refer to drawings, paintings, or photos, while 'images' often suggests a technical or visual representation.

photographs

Specifically pictures taken with a camera; 'images' can include other visual representations.

visuals

Often used in media or design for images, graphs, and videos collectively; 'images' is narrower.

Word family

image noun

A single picture or mental representation.

imagery noun

The use of images in art or literature; visual symbols collectively.

imagine verb

To form a mental image or idea of something.

imaginable adjective

Possible to imagine.

Commonly confused: images or imagine?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “images”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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