imaginary

[ɪˈmadʒɪnəri]

imaginary Definition

  • 1existing only in the imagination or not based on reality
  • 2relating to or involving imaginary numbers

Using imaginary: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "imaginary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The story is about an imaginary world.

  • Example

    She has an imaginary friend.

  • Example

    The number √-1 is an imaginary number.

imaginary Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for imaginary

Antonyms for imaginary

Phrases with imaginary

  • imaginary friend

    a person or animal that exists only in the imagination of a child, often used as a coping mechanism

    Example

    She would talk to her imaginary friend when she was feeling lonely.

  • an abstract line that does not physically exist but is used as a reference point for navigation or measurement

    Example

    The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth.

  • a complex number that can be written as a real number multiplied by the imaginary unit i, where i is defined as the square root of -1

    Example

    The square root of -1 is an imaginary number represented by the symbol i.

Origins of imaginary

from Latin 'imaginarius', meaning 'of or belonging to an image or likeness'

📌

Summary: imaginary in Brief

The term 'imaginary' [ɪˈmadʒɪnəri] refers to things that exist only in the imagination or are not based on reality. It can describe an imaginary world or an imaginary friend, and it is also used in mathematics to describe imaginary numbers. Synonyms include 'fictitious' and 'unreal,' while antonyms include 'real' and 'actual.'

How do native speakers use this expression?