fancy
UK[ˈfansi]US[ˈfænsi]
v
To want to have or do something; to feel attracted to someone.
v
To believe something without being sure; to imagine.
adj
Elaborate or sophisticated in design or quality; not plain or ordinary.
n
A feeling of liking or attraction for someone or something.
n
Something that is imagined or not real; a whim or caprice.
Etymology
The word 'fancy' began its journey in the Greek 'phantasia', signifying 'appearance, imagination, or the power to present to the mind'. This passed into Latin as 'phantasia' and then into Old French as 'fantasie', carrying the core meaning of 'imagination, illusion'. In Middle English, 'fantasy' was shortened to 'fancy', a process known as aphesis. The semantic evolution saw the word's meaning shift from the general faculty of imagination to more specific, concrete applications: a whimsical desire, an elaborate decorative style born from imagination, and a particular liking for someone or something. Thus, the modern abstract meanings of capricious liking and ornamental design are direct descendants of the ancient concept of mental visualization and illusion.
Analysis
The word 'fancy' is a contraction of the Middle English word 'fantasy', which itself derives from Old French 'fantasie'. Its ultimate origin is the Latin 'phantasia' and Greek 'phantasia', meaning 'appearance, imagination, perception'.
Examples
Do you fancy going to the cinema tonight?
She wore a fancy dress adorned with sequins and lace.
I have a fancy that we've met before.