noun / verb
fancy
Forming an idea in the mind rather than from established facts.
He fancies himself a great detective.
Etymology
Fancy is a shortened form of fantasy. Its mental sense retains that connection with imagination, describing an idea entertained without firm factual grounding.
More examples
- The story grew from a passing fancy.
- She fancied that someone was watching from the window.
- His fears were products of fancy rather than evidence.
Forms
fancy · fancies · fancied · fancying