Daydream: meaning, definitions and examples

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daydream

[ˈdeɪdriːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

imagination

A series of pleasant thoughts that distracts one's attention from the present moment. Daydreams are often about future events or situations that one wishes to happen.

Synonyms

daydreaming, dream, fantasy, reverie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
daydream	Used for moments when someone is lost in their thoughts, often during the day, imagining pleasant things. She often falls into a daydream during long meetings Lost in a daydream, he barely noticed the time passing by
fantasy	Used to describe an imaginative idea, often unrealistic or unlikely to happen, sometimes in a positive or whimsical sense. As a child, her favorite fantasy was to be a princess living in a castle The movie takes you to a fantasy world full of magic and adventure
reverie	Formal term for being lost in pleasant thoughts, akin to daydreaming but often used in literature or formal speech. He was lost in reverie, thinking about the days gone by Her voice broke my reverie, pulling me back to reality
dream	Refers to thoughts and images that occur during sleep, or aspirations and goals someone wants to achieve. He had a strange dream last night Her dream is to become a doctor someday
daydreaming	Continuous form of daydream, highlighting the act of being lost in pleasant, often unrealistic thoughts. He was daydreaming about his next vacation instead of focusing on his work You need to stop daydreaming and finish your homework

Examples of usage

I often catch myself lost in a daydream about traveling the world.
She spent hours lost in daydreams of her upcoming vacation.
His daydreams about becoming a famous actor motivated him to pursue acting classes.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

imagination

To indulge in pleasant fantasies and thoughts while awake, often about future events or desired outcomes.

Synonyms

dream, fantasize, fantasizing, imagine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
daydream	This word is typically used when someone is lost in their thoughts during the day, often thinking about pleasant things instead of focusing on the task at hand. It usually has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of attention. She often daydreams during meetings, thinking about her next vacation. Caught in a daydream, he didn't hear the teacher call his name.
fantasize	This word involves imagining things that are unlikely or impossible, often with an element of wishful thinking. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if it's perceived as unrealistic or avoiding reality. He likes to fantasize about winning the lottery and living a life of luxury. She spent her free time fantasizing about adventures in far-off lands.
dream	When talking about goals, aspirations, or the images and thoughts that occur while sleeping, this word is appropriate. It can be used for both positive aspirations and regular sleep experiences. Her dream is to become a successful artist. He had a strange dream about flying over mountains.
imagine	This word is used when someone creates a mental image of something. It can be either realistic or fantastical, and it does not carry negative connotations. It's about the act of thinking creatively or picturing something that isn’t currently happening. Can you imagine living in a world without conflict? He likes to imagine what his future might look like.
fantasizing	Similar to 'fantasize', this form is used to describe the ongoing process of imagining things that are unlikely. It often implies an extended period of wishful thinking. She was caught fantasizing about her dream house during the workday. He spent hours fantasizing about becoming a famous musician.

Examples of usage

She daydreams about what her life will be like in five years.
During the boring meeting, he began to daydream about his upcoming weekend plans.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that daydreaming can boost creativity, allowing our minds to connect different ideas.
It helps in problem-solving by letting your subconscious work through issues while your mind drifts.
Excessive daydreaming can sometimes lead to distraction, affecting focus on tasks at hand.

Cultural Representation

In literature, many characters use daydreams to escape harsh realities, exploring their desires and fears.
Movies often depict daydreaming as a magical or whimsical experience, showing characters living out their fantasies.
Songs frequently reference daydreaming as a state of bliss or longing, highlighting its emotional connection.

Historical Origins

The term 'daydream' emerged in the English language in the early 19th century, combining 'day' and 'dream.'
Philosophers and writers in history have long explored the benefits of the mind wandering, considering it a source of inspiration.
Before the science of psychology developed, many believed daydreaming was mere idleness or a sign of laziness.

Benefits and Effects

Short episodes of daydreaming can reduce stress and improve mood by providing a mental break.
It can enhance social skills by allowing individuals to envision and rehearse social interactions mentally.
Daydreaming is linked to enhanced memory retention, as the brain processes information during these imaginative periods.

Artistic Influence

Many artists have credited daydreaming as a key part of their creative process, fueling their imagination.
The concept often appears in paintings and poems, symbolizing freedom, self-reflection, and aspiration.
Surrealism, a key art movement, embraced daydreaming by depicting dream-like scenarios and challenging reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "daydream" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devaneio

🇮🇳 सपने देखना

🇩🇪 Tagtraum

🇮🇩 lamunan

🇺🇦 мріяти

🇵🇱 marzenie

🇯🇵 白昼夢 (hakuchūmu)

🇫🇷 rêverie

🇪🇸 ensueño

🇹🇷 hayal kurmak

🇰🇷 공상 (gongsang)

🇸🇦 أحلام اليقظة

🇨🇿 denní snění

🇸🇰 snívanie

🇨🇳 白日梦 (báirìmèng)

🇸🇮 sanjarenje

🇮🇸 dagdraumar

🇰🇿 армандау

🇬🇪 ოცნება

🇦🇿 xəyalpərəstlik

🇲🇽 ensueño