Definition of imagery

The word "imagery" has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. It comes from the Old French "imagier," meaning "image" or "picture." This Old French term is derived from the Latin "imago," which means "image" or "likeness." In the 15th century, "imagery" referred to the act of creating mental images or visions, often in a spiritual or mystical context. Later, in the 16th century, the term expanded to encompass visual or sensory experiences, such as descriptions of landscapes or scenes. Today, "imagery" is used in various fields, including literature, art, psychology, and film, to describe the use of vivid and evocative language or images to evoke sensory experiences or emotions in the viewer or reader.