B1to form or have a mental picture or idea of something: Imagine Robert Redford when he was young - that's what John looks like.[+ (that)]Imagine (that) you're eating an ice cream - try to feel how cold it is.[+ question word]Can you imagine how it feels to be blind?[+ -ing verb]She imagined herself sitting in her favourite armchair back home.They hadn't imagined (= expected)(that) it would be so difficult.I can't imagine (= I really don't know) what he wants from us.Imagining and conceivingB2to believe that something is probably true: [+ (that)]I imagine (that) he's under a lot of pressure at the moment.I don't imagine (that) they have much money."Will they change it?" "I imagine so."Guessing, supposing and suspectingB1to think that something exists or is true, although in fact it is not real or true: "Did you hear a noise?" "No, you're imagining things/No, you must have imagined it."I've never heard her criticize you - I think you imagine it.Imagining and conceiving›used to express shock or surprise, often at someone else's behaviour: She got married at 16! Imagine that![+ -ing verb]Imagine spending all that money on a coat!Expressions of surpriseyou can't imagineUK›used to emphasize a statement: You can't imagine what a mess the house was in after the party.Very and extremeComplete and wholeIntensifying expressions