to create mentally - Glite Dictionary

Examples

Many artists can create mentally whatever they imagine without needing physical materials.
He learned to create mentally complex designs before sketching them on paper.
As kids create mentally, they go through many levels.

Blog text (33)

Synonyms

to make

vsto create mentally

∞ 1.0

To create something by putting parts together

focuses only on producing ideas in the mind, not physical building

to create

vsto create mentally

∞ 1.0

To make something new that does not exist yet

limits sense to forming ideas inside the mind instead of physical production

to imagine

vsto create mentally

∞ 1.3

To form a picture in your mind of something not real

is about forming ideas in the mind rather than only picturing scenes

to think of

vsto create mentally

866 2.1

Invent a plan or idea in your mind

is the overall formation of ideas, not only occasional recall or mention

to form

vsto create mentally

598 1.0

To create a group or organization

is narrower to bringing ideas into the mind rather than external entities

to invent

vsto create mentally

181 3.2

To make up a story or excuse that is not true

is wider, covering any idea formed inside the mind not only made-up items

to conceive

vsto create mentally

74 5.2

To form an idea or plan in your mind

focuses on general idea development rather than the planning process

to think up

vsto create mentally

48 3.2

To make up an idea, plan, or excuse

is broader than simply inventing quick ideas by thought

to conceptualize

vsto create mentally

12 6.9

To form an idea in your mind about something

is a more general act of bringing an idea into the mind

How Imagined

to invent

532 3.1

to dream up

Informal

38 3.9

to create mentally

6.7

to conceive

74 5.2

to imagine

∞ 1.3

to think of

834 1.0

Surface Forms

create mentally infinitive

created mentally past

created mentally past participle

creating mentally present participle

creates mentally third person singular

Morphology

create + mentally

The meaning 'to bring something into existence in the mind' is directly derivable from combining 'create' (to bring into existence) with 'mentally' (in the mind). This verb + adverb composition is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should understand the MWE.

Etymology

The phrase create mentally paints a clear picture: an artist or builder who can create something only in the mind, and the word mentally shows it happens 'in your head'. So create mentally means 'to make something in your imagination'.