Invision or Envision – Difference and Definition

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Do you envision an idea or invision it? That’s a great question and a common one I see come up a lot. The short answer is that one isn’t even a real word. So, let’s take a second to explore what envision means and why “invision” is still being misused as the correct spelling.

Is It Invision or Envision?

Invision or Envision Difference Definition

They look like they’d share the same definition, right? And some people assume one is reserved for American spelling, while the other is for UK spelling, or that it’s simply an outdated spelling of the word. But that’s where the misconception lies.

“Envision” is a true term in the English dictionary, and we use it as a verb for all English-speaking countries. “Invision” is not an alternative spelling nor a word with another meaning. In fact, it’s not a word at all.

Let’s dig deeper.

Invision Definition

As I just mentioned, “invision” isn’t considered a real English word. But it is a brand name for a design software called InVision. It’s a digital product design platform that lets users create interactive prototypes while collaborating with teammates and gathering feedback in real-time.

But companies and brands can do this; make up their own words and spellings. Some even go as far as trademarking the word and entering it into the dictionary. But its meaning remains as is, the name of a company or product.

Envision Definition

Invision vs Envision Ngram
Invision and envision usage trend.

Now let’s get to the actual word at hand. Envision is considered a verb, which means to imagine or visualize a future event or situation in your mind. We use it to describe the process of forming a mental image of something that’s not yet happened.

One quick example off the top of my head would be when I’m creating a book. At first, before a single word hits the page, I envision the setting and characters in my mind.

What Is the Adjective of Envision?

It’s not normally used as an adjective, but it can be. So, the adjective form of “envision” is “envisioned.” In this form, it’s used to describe something that’s been imagined or foreseen in someone’s mind, like the envisioned future or an envisioned character concept.

Envision Synonyms

  • Imagine
  • Predict
  • Envisage
  • Visualize
  • Foresee
  • Picture
  • Anticipate

Using Envision in a Sentence

Invision or Envision Difference Definition 1

As always, seeing how words work within a full sentence can help you understand them better. Here are a few examples of “envision” using the proper spelling. 

  • Darcy could envision herself walking across the stage to receive her diploma, and the thought excited her.
  • As an architect, I envisioned a modern, eco-friendly building that would become a symbol of the city’s progress toward a greener future.
  • The president couldn’t envision a future where the two rival nations would cooperate peacefully.
  • Our company’s CEO shared her vision of the company’s growth, and we were excited about the direction she envisioned for us.
  • My mother envisioned a better life for us, so she saved every dollar and bought her very first home.
  • I envisioned a tale of old myth retold in a modern way, so I created a series of fairy tales reimagined with urban settings.

What Do You Envision?

There you go! The next time you see “invision,” just remember that it’s not an alternate spelling of “envision,” and you shouldn’t use it at all. The correct form and standard spelling is “envision” with an E, no matter what English region you’re dealing with.