Vision

n.hopeful, thoughtfulprofessional

What it means

A clear, compelling picture of a better future that guides present choices.

Reach for it when praising direction that connects aspiration with priorities

Their vision puts a safe public space within a short walk of every child.

playful
north star
when an informal metaphor for durable direction fits
not when North star can become vague branding unless concrete decisions follow from it.
everyday
goal
when a specific result can be stated and measured
not when A goal is narrower and may not explain the larger future it serves.
warm
aspiration
when the desired future is hopeful but not yet operational
not when Aspiration names the hope and does not provide the coherent direction of a vision.
warm
dream
when emotional hope and imagination should feel personal
not when Dream can sound unrealistic if the plan already has evidence and commitments.
warm
purpose
when the reason for acting matters more than the imagined result
not when Purpose explains why; vision shows what the changed future should look like.
professional
strategy
when coordinated choices and tradeoffs determine how to proceed
not when Strategy is the route, not the future picture guiding it.
formal
foresight
when anticipating future consequences is the key strength
not when Foresight predicts what may happen and does not necessarily express a preferred future.
formal
ideal
when a model of excellence guides judgment
not when An ideal can be abstract or unattainable, while a useful vision should orient action.

clear vision
A clear vision helped the partners reject attractive but distracting projects.
shared vision
The shared vision emerged only after residents described daily life in the new square.
vision for the future
Her vision for the future includes repair skills in every school.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.