C1noun3K

Imagery

UK /["/ˈɪmɪdʒəri/"]/US /["/ˈɪmɪdʒəri/"]/

Definition

language that produces pictures in the minds of people reading or listening

In simple words: Descriptive language that creates pictures in your mind.

Examples

  • poetic imagery
  • He evokes complex imagery with a single well-placed word.
  • Illustration may come between the text and the reader's own mental imagery.
  • The poem is full of religious imagery.
  • satellite imagery *(= for example, photographs of the earth taken from space)*
  • She worked on the computer-generated imagery for the movie.
  • The team used aerial imagery to recreate the scene.
  • The cartoons featured racist and insensitive imagery.
  • Visual imagery is very compelling.
  • The montages contain vivid and disturbing imagery.

Usage notes

Use 'imagery' in discussions about poetry or literature when talking about vivid descriptions. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler words suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagining a picture in your mind helps to remember 'imagery'. Think: 'I-mage in my brain'.

Collocations

  • evocative
  • graphic
  • powerful
  • draw on
  • employ
  • use
  • evocative
  • graphic
  • powerful
  • draw on
  • employ
  • use

Synonyms

  • visualization
  • description
  • representation
  • depiction
  • illustration

Antonyms

  • reality
  • plainness
  • literalness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'imagination' - they are different; 'imagery' is more about sensory detail.
  • Using 'imagery' when describing literal images instead of figurative language.
  • Mixing up 'imaginary' and 'imagery'; 'imaginary' refers to something that is not real.