Catholic Dictionary

Term

IMAGE

Definition

A representation or likeness of something. It corresponds to "exemplar" and implies that one thing (the image) is both a reflection and pattern of something else. In this sense the word has come to mean an attitudinal or judgmental reaction toward a person, an institution, or a people. Thus we now speak of "image makers" or "image builders" to describe the use of publicity and propaganda to create or maintain a favorable impression before the public. (Etym. Latin imago, copy, likeness, image, picture; pattern, model.)