Visions

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈvɪʒənz/

Definitions

1. The occurrence of perceiving images or concepts through sight or imagination, which can manifest as prophetic experiences or creative foresight regarding future events or ideas
2. The faculty of visualizing or experiencing images and concepts, which may include prophetic occurrences or the insight to foresee potential future developments
3. Experiences of seeing images or mental pictures, often spontaneously or during dreams ; occurrences of perceiving future events or truths through supernatural or mystical means

Etymology: The plural "visions" is simply the plural of "vision," and the noun it pluralizes has a tidy Latin pedigree that runs through the act of seeing itself. The Latin "vīsiō" meant "seeing" or "vision," formed as a noun of action from "visus," the past participle of "videō," "to see." In other words, the Latin word was built around the idea of the thing seen, which is why "visus" could also name a sight or appearance. The noun passed through Old French "vision" and Anglo-Norman "visioun" before reaching Middle English as "visioun." Along the way it kept its core meaning of seeing, and the sense of something seen in a dream or revelation grew alongside the literal faculty of sight. That is why the English word covers both the ordinary capacity to picture things and the prophetic or imaginative visions people describe.

Synonyms: sight, dreams, imagination, images, perceptions

Antonyms: blindness, ignorance, unawareness