envisagement

Envisagement is a noun meaning the act or process of envisaging—imagining, foreseeing, or considering in advance possible future states, outcomes, or plans. It can refer to both the mental act of visualization and the practical assessment of what might occur or be required in a given context. In English, the term is more common in British usage and in formal, academic, or policy-oriented writing; in American English, the verb envisaging and the verb envision are more common, while envisagement remains rare but understood.

Etymology: from French envisager “to contemplate, to picture in the mind,” from en- “in” + viser “to aim,” ultimately from Latin videre “to see.” The noun form is formed by adding -ment to envisager, yielding envisagement.

Usage notes: Envisagement often accompanies planning activities, strategic studies, urban design, environmental assessment, and philosophical reflection about future possibilities. It emphasizes consideration of multiple scenarios and the long-term implications of decisions.

Examples: The envisagement of climate adaptation requires analysis of both immediate needs and enduring risks. Policymakers should incorporate broad envisagement to avoid unintended consequences.

See also: envisage, envision, envisager, projection, foresight, scenario planning.