imaginary

[US]/ɪˈmædʒɪnəri/
[UK]/ɪˈmædʒɪneri/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. existing only in the mind, not real or true; fanciful

Phrases & Collocations

imaginary part

imaginary line

imaginary number

imaginary circle

Example Sentences

The unicorn is an imaginary beast.

fantastic imaginary beasts such as the unicorn.

imaginary and insubstantial victories;

He told a story about an imaginary land.

Chris had imaginary conversations with her.

My little daughter has an imaginary friend.

His memories are peopled with imaginary creatures.

pantomine a story on the stage; pantomimed “baby” by cradling an imaginary infant.

Per the imaginary Lewis Carroll notes in my head, the Bandersnatch is a creature that represents the wild and untamed evil of feminine sexuality.

Writing about the “Throne of the Mughal”, a tableau with dozens of enamelled and bejewelled figures, he states that the ruler is an “imaginary Asian”.

Real-world Examples

They were not friends. They were imaginary colleagues.

Source: The Big Bang Theory Season 1

In the end, the " shark" proved to be imaginary.

Source: New Horizons College English Third Edition Reading and Writing Course (Volume 1)

This distinction between victim and empowered is imaginary.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) May 2016 Collection

Using an imaginary friend as an example can be very useful.

Source: Oxford University: IELTS Foreign Teacher Course

Yes, but these possibilities are more imaginary.

Source: Grandpa and Grandma's grammar class

Second conditionals are more imaginary or unreal.

Source: Grandpa and Grandma's grammar class

An example of imaginary color is “hyper-green.”

Source: Intermediate and advanced English short essay.

If it's an if imaginary or if it's a preference.

Source: TOEFL Writing Preparation Guide

But the brain chemistry behind Internet addiction is not imaginary.

Source: New Horizons College English Third Edition Reading and Writing Course (Volume 1)

The opposite of real is fictional or imaginary.

Source: VOA Special November 2022 Collection

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