An image is a picture or visual representation of something. When you draw a portrait of your dog, take a photo of a sunset, or see your reflection in a mirror, you're looking at an image. Scientists study images from telescopes to learn about distant galaxies. Doctors examine X-ray images to see inside the body without surgery. Artists create images through painting, sculpture, or digital design.

The word also describes how people think about or perceive someone or something. A company works to maintain a positive public image so customers trust it. When people talk about someone's self-image, they mean how that person sees themselves. A politician might try to project an image of strength and honesty, while an athlete might have an image as a fierce competitor. Sometimes this kind of image matches reality, but sometimes it's carefully crafted or even misleading.

When you hear someone say “That's not the image I want to project,” they're talking about the impression they make on others, not about a literal picture.