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Pedants' corner

Envisioned - is this really a word?

11 replies

Xmasbabyxmas · 04/03/2024 17:41

This really jars with me. Since when did envisioned become a word? Is it a word? I shudder and scream "envisaged" inwardly when I see it. Is it me? Please educate and inform me.

OP posts:
Phillippeflop · 04/03/2024 17:42

Envisioned is a word isn’t it? Like this is not what I envisioned

DullGret · 04/03/2024 17:43

Phillippeflop · 04/03/2024 17:42

Envisioned is a word isn’t it? Like this is not what I envisioned

I would say ‘envisaged’ there.

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 04/03/2024 17:44

It's been a word for forever as far as I am concerned. Just another use of 'vision'. Looks like the first use in print was in the 1920s, so a century ago. But used by Lytton Strachey, whose usage of the English language could be - strained at times.

SwedishEdith · 04/03/2024 17:48

I'd say envisage as well but apparently it is a word with a subtly different meaning.

Envision means able to see what you imagine rather than just imagine.

BewitchedorBewildered · 04/03/2024 17:50

They are both words. Envision implies a greater degree of material certainty whilst envisage is more 'to imagine'.

Xmasbabyxmas · 04/03/2024 17:55

Ah lovely, thanks all. I like the subtle difference in meaning. I would have always used envisaged and suddenly I'm seeing envisioned everywhere. Perhaps something that's increasing in usage?

OP posts:
Joolsin · 04/03/2024 17:57

Envisaged has been the standard word for as long as I can remember, but envisioned has been creeping insidiously across the Atlantic, I think, in recent years. I hate it!!

Xmasbabyxmas · 04/03/2024 17:59

I hate it too @Joolsin but at least now I can hate it better informed 😂

OP posts:
BewitchedorBewildered · 04/03/2024 18:14

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the earliest known use of the verb was in 1921 by Lytton Strachey, English author, champagne socialist and a founding member of the Bloomsbury Group.

ColleenDonaghy · 04/03/2024 19:02

BewitchedorBewildered · 04/03/2024 18:14

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the earliest known use of the verb was in 1921 by Lytton Strachey, English author, champagne socialist and a founding member of the Bloomsbury Group.

No you're surely mistaken, a MN user doesn't like it so it must be American. Wink

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