The word 想象力 is formed through a conceptual layering of its three component characters: it begins with 想 (xiǎng), which represents the fundamental act of thinking or conceiving in the mind; this is then focused by 象 (xiàng), meaning "image" or "form", to specify the creation of mental pictures or representations; finally, 力 (lì) adds the dimension of "power", "capacity", or "faculty", transforming the idea into the inherent human ability or force of mind that generates such images. Thus, the compound moves from thought, to visualized thought, to the abstract capability for visualization itself.