What does imagery mean?
Imagery means the images, pictures, and visual or figurative qualities that appear in art, literature, film, speech, or other forms of expression. The term is often used for the distinctive way an artist creates an atmosphere or makes ideas emotionally vivid. For example, a description of a stormy sea may provide visual imagery through language, while a film may use imagery through photography, color, and editing. Imagery is broader than a single image: it suggests a collection or pattern of impressions. In literary analysis, it may also refer to figurative language that evokes mental pictures without describing visible objects directly. The word is useful in criticism because it draws attention not merely to what is communicated, but to the sensory and emotional effects created in the reader's or viewer's mind.
nounThe use or representation of images and pictures, especially in writing, art, or speech. Figuratively, it refers to the expressive language and mental associations used to convey ideas or emotions.
- The representation or use of images and pictures, especially in art, writing, or speech.
- The expressive language, mental pictures, or associations used to convey ideas, emotions, or atmosphere.
"The novel's vivid imagery transforms ordinary rural life into something dreamlike."
"The documentary uses striking imagery to illustrate the effects of climate change."
"Her poetry is distinguished by delicate imagery and unexpected comparisons."
The plural is uncommon, but it is standard when referring to distinct bodies or systems of images.
"The exhibition juxtaposes the imageries of different artistic movements."
Imagery is how language paints: a few well-chosen images can make an idea impossible to forget.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imagery come from?
Imagery derives from the Latin imagine, meaning “image” or “representation,” and ultimately from imaginari, “to form an image or likeness in the mind.” The English formation imagery became established in the 16th century in the sense of “images” and was later extended to describe literary or figurative expression. It is closely related to image, imagine, imaginary, and imagination, all of which share this root concerning images and mental representation.
How imagery is actually used
Imagery is commonly used in literary criticism, art criticism, and discussion of film or rhetoric. It can refer literally to pictures or figuratively to vivid descriptive language; the figurative sense is especially common.
Easily confused with imagery
An image is an individual picture or representation, whereas imagery is the images, visual qualities, or figurative language considered collectively.