imagine
UK[ɪˈmædʒɪn]US[ɪˈmædʒɪn]
v
To form a mental image or concept of something not present to the senses.
v
To suppose or assume something without firm evidence.
Morpheme Breakdown
image
ine
image
ine
Etymology
The word 'imagine' entered English in the 14th century from Old French imaginer, which itself derives from Latin imāginārī ('to form a mental picture, represent'), a verb based on the noun imāgō ('copy, likeness, semblance'). The Latin imāgō is thought to originate from the Proto-Indo-European root aim-, meaning 'to copy', which underscores the core concept of forming a likeness or representation in the mind. Thus, the etymological logic flows from the concrete idea of a 'copy' or 'likeness' to the abstract mental process of creating such representations of things not physically present.
Analysis
Structure: image + ine
- image: From Latin imāgin-, stem of imāgō (likeness, copy, idea). Serves as the core root.
- ine: A verb-forming suffix, often from Latin -īnāre, indicating to make, act, or perform. Serves as a derivational suffix.
Examples
Can you imagine a world without electricity?
I imagine he'll be late, given the traffic.
She liked to imagine herself as an astronaut exploring Mars.