imagination

noun

Etymology: From Middle English ymaginacioun, from Old French imaginacion, ymaginacion, from Latin imāginātiō. Equivalent to imagine + -ation.

1. The image-making power of the mind; the act of mentally creating or reproducing an object not previously perceived; the ability to create such images.

   “Imagination is one of the most advanced human faculties.”

   “She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination.”

2. Particularly, construction of false images; fantasizing.

   “You think someone's been following you? That's just your imagination.”

3. Creativity; resourcefulness.

   “His imagination makes him a valuable team member.”

4. A mental image formed by the action of the imagination as a faculty; something imagined.

   “It is a pleasant imagination to conceive a spirit iustly ballanced betweene two equall desires.”

   “And yet the invention of young men, is more lively than that of old; and imaginations stream into their minds better, and, as it were, more divinely.”