envisage

Everyday

1. (formal) To imagine or picture something that might happen in the future. tree →
2. (formal) To expect or plan something: «We envisage finishing by summer». tree →

In the lessons

A formal exam and news word, common in British English (Americans often say «envision»). In school: «envisage the scene» in creative writing. In planning: «The council envisages a new park». Phrases: «envisage a future», «it is envisaged that».

Examples

• Can you envisage living on Mars? tree →
• The architect envisaged a school full of light. tree →
• I never envisaged that we would win the cup. tree →
• It is envisaged that the new bridge will open next year. tree →
• Close your eyes and envisage a quiet beach. tree →
• The plan envisages more trees on every street. tree →

Note

Formal, mainly British. Regular verb. In speech say «imagine», «picture», «expect». American «envision» means the same.