0
Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary
can only imagine
Hi,
"I can only imagine the pain they felt during the war."
Some of my dictionaries say that "can only imagine" used like above means "it is not hard to imagine ... ," but I don't understand why it can be interpreted like that. I think it literary means "I cannot be sure, and my imagination may be wrong" or "all I can think of is ..." though the latter one is not the case in here.
Can anyone explain how to interpret "can only imagine"?
"I can only imagine the pain they felt during the war."
Some of my dictionaries say that "can only imagine" used like above means "it is not hard to imagine ... ," but I don't understand why it can be interpreted like that. I think it literary means "I cannot be sure, and my imagination may be wrong" or "all I can think of is ..." though the latter one is not the case in here.
Can anyone explain how to interpret "can only imagine"?
Top answer
Rino "I cannot be sure, and my imagination may be wrong" I think this is close to our use of the phrase. We use it to mean that we can't fully comprehend something. [ I can only imagine what it felt like to be in the middle of the flood.
- Rino "I cannot be sure, and my imagination may be wrong" I think this is close to our use of the phrase.
- We use it to mean that we can't fully comprehend something.
- [ I can only imagine what it felt like to be in the middle of the flood.
- I can only imagine what you're thinking right now.
- ] It's often used to refer to an unpleasant event or situation.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
10 Answers
0
Rino"I cannot be sure, and my imagination may be wrong"I think this is close to our use of the phrase. We use it to mean that we can't fully comprehend something.
[ I can only imagine what it felt like to be in the middle of the flood. I can only imagine what you're thinking right now. ] It's often used to refer to an unpleasant event or situation.
00
"it is not hard to imagine" That is the correct definition.
eg. I have read all the descriptions (reporters' stories, personal accounts, history books, etc.) of people's experiences during the war. It is very easy to imagine their pain.
Have you read about the siege of Leningrad? The death camps in Poland, Germany and other countries? The horrors of the soldiers in the tre
eg. I have read all the descriptions (reporters' stories, personal accounts, history books, etc.) of people's experiences during the war. It is very easy to imagine their pain.
Have you read about the siege of Leningrad? The death camps in Poland, Germany and other countries? The horrors of the soldiers in the tre
00
Thank you, Philip and AlpheccaStars.
AlpheccaStars"it is not hard to imagine" That is the correct definition. eg. I have read all the descriptions (reporters' stories, personal accounts, history books, etc.) of people's experiences during the war. It is very easy to imagine their pain.I understand that it makes sense if we interpret in that way, especially when
00
0
RinoCan anyone explain how to interpret "can only imagine"?I think my interpretation differs from that of others, but it's the interpretation I've always assumed was correct.
I can do no more than imagine it, that is, I cannot experience it directly. The situation must have been much worse in reality than the much weaker corresponding
00
AlpheccaStarsOnly adds emphasis, perhaps revulsion, sympathy or horror.Thank you. It makes the point clear.
I really appreciate your replies.
00
Thank you, CalifJim.
I think that the writer/speaker wants
CalifJimI can do no more than imagine it, that is, I cannot experience it directly. The situation must have been much worse in reality than the much weaker corresponding situation I am able to conjure up in my mind.Your interpretation seems to be close to Philip's, and I completely understand.
I think that the writer/speaker wants
00
RinoBy the way, do you use "I can only imagine" as "all I can think of"?I have to confess that I don't use it as anything because I don't use it at all.
00
Suppose your good friend was on a ferry boat which capsized and sank. He was rescued, and you are talking about it.
You could say to him:
a) I can't imagine how frightened you must have been! (It is so outside my experiences that I can't conceive of your terror.)
b) I can only imagine how frightened you must have been! (It is outside my experience, but I can conceive of suc
You could say to him:
a) I can't imagine how frightened you must have been! (It is so outside my experiences that I can't conceive of your terror.)
b) I can only imagine how frightened you must have been! (It is outside my experience, but I can conceive of suc
00
Thank you, CalifJim and AlpheccaStars.
AlpheccaStarsYou could say to him:a) I can't imagine how frightened you must have been! (It is so outside my experiences that I can't conceive of your terror.)b) I can only imagine how frightened you must have been! (It is outside my experience, but I can conceive of such a situation.)c) I can imagine how frightened you must have been!
0
Related Questions