Dreamlike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
dreamlike
[หdriหmหlaษชk ]
Definitions
in a surreal setting
resembling or characteristic of a dream; having a magical or unreal quality
Synonyms
ethereal, fantastical, surreal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dreamlike |
Used to describe something that feels like a dream, often in a positive way, evoking a sense of wonder or fantasy.
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surreal |
Used to describe something bizarre or strange, often evoking a sense of disorientation or unpredictability. This can have a slightly negative or unsettling connotation.
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fantastical |
Used to describe something imaginative or made up, often involving magic or otherworldly elements, typical for fairy tales and fantasy stories.
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ethereal |
Used to describe something extremely delicate and light, often in a way that seems too perfect for this world. This term is often used in artistic or poetic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The movie had a dreamlike quality, with surreal visuals and fantastical creatures.
- She described the scene as dreamlike, with colors blending together in a haze of beauty.
fantasy-like
having an otherworldly or fantastic quality, as if from a dream
Synonyms
enchanted, fantasy-like, whimsical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dreamlike |
Best used to describe an experience, scene, or atmosphere that feels surreal or like something out of a dream.
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fantasy-like |
Used to describe something reminiscent of fantasy genres, involving elements such as mythical creatures, magic, or extraordinary adventures.
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whimsical |
Best used for describing something that is playful, quirky, or fanciful in a lighthearted manner. Often implies creativity and imagination.
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enchanted |
Appropriate for describing something that seems magical or has been put under a spell. Often used in fairy tales or magical stories.
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Examples of usage
- The forest had a dreamlike atmosphere, with twisted trees and glowing mushrooms.
- Her paintings often depict dreamlike landscapes filled with mythical creatures.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Art
- Many painters of the surrealist movement, like Salvador Dalรญ, depicted dreamlike scenes to evoke subconscious thoughts and emotions.
- Dreamlike imagery is often used in film and photography to create an ethereal atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
- Artists aim for dreamlike qualities through soft focus, muted colors, and fantastical elements that challenge viewers' perceptions.
Psychology
- The dreamlike state is often associated with altered consciousness, where thoughts and perceptions differ significantly from waking reality.
- Lucid dreaming, where one becomes aware they're dreaming, can feel particularly dreamlike as the dreamer can control the narrative.
- Psychologists study the dreamlike states to better understand human imagination and the subconscious mind.
Literature
- In literature, descriptions of settings or characters as dreamlike often evoke an otherworldly feel, enhancing the narrative.
- Famous authors, like Haruki Murakami, often employ dreamlike elements in storytelling to provoke deeper thought and engage with surreal themes.
- Dreamlike narratives may blur the line between reality and fantasy, reflecting the complexities of human emotion and thought.
Pop Culture
- Music videos often incorporate dreamlike visuals to create an emotional connection and captivate the audience's imagination.
- Popular films, such as 'Inception', utilize dreamlike sequences to explore complex themes of reality and perception.
- Fashion designers sometimes draw inspiration from dreamlike aesthetics, creating collections that combine whimsy and surreal elements.
Origin of 'dreamlike'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'dreamlike' combines 'dream', which comes from Old English 'drฤam' (meaning joy or music), and 'like', indicating resemblance.
- The idea of things being dreamlike has roots in various languages, expressing the concept of surreal experiences.
- The use of 'dreamlike' in literature dates back centuries, often describing scenes that are vivid yet unsettling.
The word 'dreamlike' originates from the combination of 'dream' and 'like', suggesting something resembling or characteristic of a dream. It first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting the fascination with dreams and the subconscious mind during the Romantic and Symbolist movements in art and literature.
See also: daydream, daydreams, dream, dreamer, dreaming, dreamland, dreams, dreamscape, dreamy.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,311, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 28308 unflattering
- 28309 thoughtlessly
- 28310 wattage
- 28311 dreamlike
- 28312 exulted
- 28313 drench
- 28314 strutted
- ...