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Dreamlike: meaning, definitions and examples

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dreamlike

 

[ˈdriːmˌlaɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

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?

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Word Description / Examples
dreamlike

Used to describe something that feels like a dream, often in a positive way, evoking a sense of wonder or fantasy.

  • The landscape looked dreamlike under the full moon.
  • The movie's visuals were so stunning, they felt dreamlike.
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.

  • Walking through the empty city at night felt surreal.
  • The painting's blend of real and imaginative elements made it surreal.
fantastical

Used to describe something imaginative or made up, often involving magic or otherworldly elements, typical for fairy tales and fantasy stories.

  • The wizard's castle was filled with fantastical creatures.
  • She told us a fantastical story about an enchanted forest.
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.

  • Her voice had an ethereal quality that captivated everyone.
  • The morning mist gave the forest an ethereal beauty.

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

fantasy-like

having an otherworldly or fantastic quality, as if from a dream

Synonyms

enchanted, fantasy-like, whimsical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dreamlike

Best used to describe an experience, scene, or atmosphere that feels surreal or like something out of a dream.

  • The snow-covered landscape was so beautiful and quiet that it felt dreamlike.
  • Her voice had a dreamlike quality that made everyone listen in awe.
fantasy-like

Used to describe something reminiscent of fantasy genres, involving elements such as mythical creatures, magic, or extraordinary adventures.

  • The castle's architecture was fantasy-like, with tall spires and intricate designs.
  • The film's setting was incredibly fantasy-like, filled with dragons and wizards.
whimsical

Best used for describing something that is playful, quirky, or fanciful in a lighthearted manner. Often implies creativity and imagination.

  • Her whimsical drawings were full of imaginative creatures and bright colors.
  • The garden had a whimsical charm with its odd-shaped plants and colorful decorations.
enchanted

Appropriate for describing something that seems magical or has been put under a spell. Often used in fairy tales or magical stories.

  • The forest seemed enchanted, with twinkling lights and soft, mysterious sounds all around.
  • She felt as if she had stepped into an enchanted world.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'dreamlike' combines 'dream', which comes from Old English 'drēam' (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.

Art

  • Many painters of the surrealist movement, like Salvador Dalí, 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dreamlike" in other languages:

🇵🇹 onírico

🇮🇳 सपनों जैसा

🇩🇪 traumhaft

🇮🇩 seperti mimpi

🇺🇦 сновидний

🇵🇱 jak ze snu

🇯🇵 夢のような

🇫🇷 onirique

🇪🇸 onírico

🇹🇷 rüya gibi

🇰🇷 꿈 같은

🇸🇦 مثل الحلم

🇨🇿 snový

🇸🇰 snový

🇨🇳 梦幻般的

🇸🇮 sanjav

🇮🇸 draumkenntur

🇰🇿 түс көргендей

🇬🇪 სიზმრეული

🇦🇿 yuxu kimi

🇲🇽 onírico

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.