imaginary
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪˈmædʒɪnəri/
KK: /ɪˈmædʒɪˌnɛri/
adjective
Definition
Something that exists only in the mind and not in reality; not real or true.
Example
The imaginary friend helped her feel less lonely.
Conversation
I was just thinking about my imaginary friend from childhood.
Oh really? What was he like?
He was so fun, always going on adventures in my head.
That sounds amazing! It's nice to have an imaginary friend to escape to.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fanciful
unreal
fantastic
Antonyms
real
actual
tangible
noun
Definition
Not a valid English word.
Example
Not available
Conversation
Did you know that in math, there are things called imaginary numbers?
Yeah, I heard about them, but I don't really understand how they work.
They're pretty interesting, actually; they can represent certain equations.
Root Explanation
Imaginary → It is formed from "imaginari" (meaning to form a mental image) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning pertaining to). The word "imaginary" refers to something that pertains to or exists only in the mind, not in reality.
Memory Tip
Think of 'forming a mental image' — that's what 'imaginary' means, something that exists only in your mind.
Visually Confused Words
unimaginary
preimaginary
nonimaginary
paginary
liminary