vision
C1Formal, but common in business, leadership, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The faculty or state of being able to see.
The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom; a mental image of what the future could or should be like.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word bridges the literal sense (sight) and highly metaphorical senses (foresight, ideal). In its metaphorical sense, it implies clarity, purpose, and a guiding ideal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'vision' identically in core and metaphorical senses. 'Vision statement' is equally common in business contexts.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a vision of [NP]share a vision with [NP]articulate/outline a vision for [NP]vision of [NP] (as future state)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tunnel vision”
- “a vision of loveliness”
- “have visions of (doing something grand)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO presented a compelling vision for the company's next decade.
Academic
The poet's vision of a utopian society was central to his work.
Everyday
I need to get my vision checked; things are a bit blurry.
Technical
The computer vision algorithm successfully identified the object.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The project was visioned by a small team in Cambridge.
- (Rare as verb) He could vision a world at peace.
American English
- The founder visioned a completely new retail experience.
- (Rare as verb) She visioned the company's path to success.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; use 'visionarily' rarely) The plan was conceived visionarily.
American English
- (Not standard; use 'visionarily' rarely) He spoke visionarily about the potential.
adjective
British English
- The architect presented his vision statement.
- She is a visionary leader.
American English
- The board reviewed the vision document.
- He is known for his visionary thinking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandmother has good vision for her age.
- I wear glasses to help my vision.
- The bright light hurt my vision for a moment.
- The artist had a clear vision for his painting.
- The company lacks a long-term vision, which worries investors.
- She articulated her vision for the community project brilliantly.
- His political vision was both radical and meticulously detailed.
- The prophet's vision foretold great changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a television: it shows you a picture. Your VISION shows you the world.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEEING IS UNDERSTANDING/KNOWING (e.g., 'I see what you mean'); THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE AHEAD (e.g., 'a vision of the future').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'видение' for the metaphorical sense in formal contexts; 'vision' is more abstract and grand than just an 'opinion' or 'view'. The Russian 'ви́зия' is a direct borrowing and is often used in business contexts similarly.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'vision' as a countable noun for every small idea or plan (overuse). Confusing 'vision' with 'mission' (vision = the what/why for the future, mission = the how/what we do now).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, a 'vision statement' primarily describes:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'vision' describes the desired future state or the 'what' and 'why' (the inspirational goal). A 'mission' describes the core purpose and primary objectives 'now', the 'how' and 'what' the organization currently does to achieve that vision.
It is possible but is considered jargonistic or non-standard by many. In formal writing, phrases like 'envision', 'imagine', or 'foresee' are preferred.
Typically yes. It metaphorically describes extremely narrow focus, often to the detriment of seeing the bigger picture or alternative options. In a very specific technical task, intense focus might be positive, but the idiom connotes limitation.
You can speak of a 'personal vision' or 'life vision', which is a clear, imaginative concept of what you want to achieve or become in key areas of your life, serving as a guide for decision-making.
Collections
Part of a collection
Health and Body
A2 · 48 words · Talking about health, illness and medical care.
Innovation
B2 · 46 words · Language of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Leadership and Management
B2 · 46 words · Language for leading teams and managing organizations.