3 syllables: I, ma, gine. Stress on ma.
im-AJ-uhn
/ˌɪˈmædʒən/
Imagine is pronounced im-AJ-uhn (/ˌɪˈmædʒən/). It has three syllables (I-ma-gine), with the stress on "ma". Imagine is a verb meaning to form a mental image or concept of something not present or real. It involves creating ideas in the mind, often envisioning possibilities or hypothetical scenarios, and is frequently used in both everyday speech and expressive writing. The term carries a hopeful or creative connotation, inviting imaginative consideration or planning.
verbImagine is a verb meaning to form a mental image or concept of something not present or real. It involves creating ideas in the mind, often envisioning possibilities or hypothetical scenarios, and is frequently used in both everyday speech and expressive writing. The term carries a hopeful or creative connotation, inviting imaginative consideration or planning.
"She could imagine living by the ocean and painting every day."
"If you imagine a world without borders, you might see people as equals."
"He imagined a solution that would solve the problem without any cost."
Imagine is pronounced /ɪˈmædʒɪn/ in US/UK/AU. The syllables are i-MA-dge-n, with primary stress on the second syllable. Start with a short initial vowel /ɪ/, then /ˈmæ/ with the mouth open for /æ/, then /dʒɪ/ where /dʒ/ is like judge, and finish with /n/. A helpful cue: imagine a mighty “MA”kick in the middle.”
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress (e.g., saying /ˈɪmədʒɪn/ with stress on the first syllable), mispronouncing /æ/ as /eɪ/ or /ə/, and softening /dʒ/ to /ʒ/ or /d͡ʒ/ incorrectly. Correct by emphasizing /ˈmæ/ and maintaining the /dʒ/ as in judge. Ensure final /n/ is clear and not silent. Practice the sequence i-MA-dge-n with the middle vowel held briefly for accuracy.
Across US/UK/AU, the core /ɪˈmædʒɪn/ remains, but vowel quality can shift: US often has a tighter /ɪ/ in first syllable and a sharper /æ/; UK may feature a slightly rounded /ɪ/ and a crisp /dʒ/; AU tends to a broader, more centralized /ɪ/ with a smoother /æ/ transition. Non-rhotic tendencies in some UK accents don’t change the /ɡ/ or /n/ endings. Overall the primary stress remains on the second syllable across regions.
The difficulty lies in the /dʒ/ affricate cluster immediately after a short /æ/ vowel, which can blur to /j/ or /ʒ/ for some learners. The vowel sequence requires a crisp shift from /æ/ to /dʒ/ and a trailing /ɪn/ that isn’t always emphasized. Additionally, the /ɪ/ in the first syllable can be reduced or mispronounced as /ɪmɪ/. Practice the middle heavy syllable with a strong /dʒ/ release.
A unique nuance is the contrast between the unstressed first syllable i- and the stressed second syllable -ma-, which can cause learners to tilt the pitch or elongate the wrong vowel. Ensure the primary stress sits on /mæ/ and that the /dʒ/ remains an affricate, not a softened /ʒ/. Listening to native models and echoing with controlled speed helps solidify this balance.
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Imagine comes from the late Middle English imagnie, borrowed from Old French imaginer, which itself derives from Latin imagō, imaginis meaning image or likeness. The Latin root imag- is linked to ego- or image-related terms across Romance languages, reflecting a shift from ‘image’ to the verb sense of forming mental pictures. The suffix -ine in English helped form many related words, leading to the modern verb imagine. By the 15th century, imagine acquired its primary sense of forming mental images or ideas, expanding in usage with metaphorical and hypothetical meanings. Over time, imagine broadened to include imagining futures, possibilities, or scenarios beyond present reality, becoming a staple verb in music, literature, and everyday speech. The word has retained its core visual imagination sense across centuries, with nuances in tone from neutral to aspirational depending on context.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Imagine" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Imagine" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Imagine"
-ame sounds
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