envision
UK[ɪnˈvɪʒn]US[ɪnˈvɪʒn]
v
to imagine something that you think might happen in the future, especially something that you want to happen.
v
to form a mental picture of something; to visualize.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
vision
en
cause to be
vision
sight
Etymology
the word 'envision' is a relatively modern english formation, dating from the early 19th century. it was created by combining the prefix 'en-', derived from latin and meaning 'to put into' or 'to cause to be', with the noun 'vision', which originates from the latin 'visio' (from 'videre', meaning 'to see'). this construction follows a pattern similar to other verbs like 'enlighten' or 'embody'. the literal sense of 'putting something into sight' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of forming a mental image or conceiving of a future possibility, effectively causing it to be seen in the mind's eye.
Analysis
Structure: en (cause to be) + vision (sight)
en- (from latin 'in-', meaning 'in, into, cause to be'), vision (from latin 'visio', meaning 'act of seeing, sight').
Examples
she envisioned a world where everyone had access to clean water.
the architect envisioned a building that would blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
it's hard to envision what life will be like in fifty years.