What does vision mean?
Vision most commonly means the faculty or power of seeing, as in “a person with impaired vision.” It also means a person's ability to imagine a desirable future or to understand a situation insightfully: a leader may have a clear vision for an organization, while an artist may approach a work with a distinctive artistic vision. Less literally, the word can refer to a mental image, dreamlike experience, or prophetic sight, especially in religious, mystical, and literary contexts. The meanings are closely connected because seeing figuratively involves forming a clear impression of what is not directly present. Vision is consequently useful in both ordinary descriptions of eyesight and more elevated discussions of perception, insight, ideals, and the future. Its associations with clarity, foresight, and inspiration make it especially common in discussions of business strategy, public leadership, art, and social change.
The faculty or power of seeing; also a conception of a possible future, a mental image, or a prophetic sight.
"The new treatment restored enough vision for him to read comfortably."
Its sense ranges from the literal ability to see to figurative insight, imagination, and foresight.
To imagine or foresee something.
"The committee visioned a more inclusive workplace."
This use is relatively uncommon and informal; the noun is much more frequent.
Use the plural for multiple sights, mental images, future ideals, or prophetic experiences.
"The scientist's visions of the future combined scientific insight with imagination."
Vision comes from the same ancient root as visible and video: a word family built on the basic human experience of seeing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vision
Vision entered Middle English through Old French vision, a borrowing of Latin visio, meaning “a seeing” or “sight.” The Latin noun was derived from videre, “to see,” which continues the Indo-European root *weid-, associated with seeing and knowing. The same root underlies words including visible, visual, evident, and video.
Related word forms
How vision is actually used
The word is standard in both British and American English. In professional, political, or creative contexts, “vision” often carries an elevated tone and suggests an inspiring future outlook; in religious or literary contexts, it may denote a prophetic or supernatural experience.