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Dreams Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ญ
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dreams

[driหmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

while sleeping

A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.

Synonyms

fantasy, hallucination, vision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dreams

Used to describe the thoughts and images that come to mind during sleep or as aspirations and goals for the future.

  • I had the strangest dreams last night.
  • He always talks about his dreams of becoming a famous writer.
vision

Used to describe a vivid mental image, often as a metaphor for foresight or a guiding idea, or a supernatural sight in religious contexts.

  • His vision for the company's future is very inspiring.
  • She had a vision of an angel during her prayer.
fantasy

Refers to an imaginative or unrealistic idea or story, often used in the context of fiction and creative works.

  • She loves reading fantasy novels about dragons and magic.
  • Winning the lottery is just a fantasy for most people.
hallucination

Describes a perception that seems real but is created by the mind, often due to illness, drugs, or mental health conditions. It has a negative connotation.

  • The drug caused him to experience vivid hallucinations.
  • She was so ill that she began having hallucinations.

Examples of usage

  • I had a strange dream last night about flying
  • She often has vivid dreams that she can remember in the morning
Context #2 | Noun

ambitions

A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.

Synonyms

desire, goal, objective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dreams

Used when talking about aspirations or wishes that are often idealistic or fantastical.

  • She dreams of traveling the world one day
  • His dreams of becoming a rock star have persisted since his youth
desire

Refers to a strong feeling of wanting something. It is often more intense and personal.

  • He had a strong desire to succeed
  • Her desire for adventure led her to new experiences
objective

Typically used in a professional or academic context to describe specific, measurable outcomes that are strategic and rational.

  • The primary objective of this project is to improve customer satisfaction
  • His objective was to increase sales by 20%

Examples of usage

  • It has been my dream to travel the world
  • His dream is to become a successful musician
Context #3 | Verb

aspiration

Contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case.

Synonyms

envision, fantasize, imagine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
imagine

A general term for creating mental images or concepts; can be used in both creative and problem-solving contexts.

  • Can you imagine what it would be like to live in space?
  • She imagined a story where animals could talk.
fantasize

Implies imagining something that is often unlikely or unrealistic, and is usually used in a more personal, sometimes whimsical or escapist context.

  • He likes to fantasize about winning the lottery.
  • She spends hours fantasizing about living on a tropical island.
envision

Often used in a professional or motivational context to describe the act of picturing or planning something in the future.

  • She envisions a world where everyone has access to clean water.
  • The architect envisions a new kind of urban landscape.

Examples of usage

  • She dreams of starting her own business one day
  • He dreamed about winning the lottery

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sigmund Freud believed dreams reveal our deepest desires and fears, viewing them as a window to our subconscious mind.
  • Carl Jung argued that dreams help individuals process and integrate their thoughts and feelings, acting as a bridge to self-understanding.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Inception' have popularized the concept of manipulating dreams, exploring themes of reality versus illusion.
  • The song 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac became an anthem of reflection and nostalgia, showcasing how dreams can evoke strong emotions.

Science

  • During the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, most vivid dreaming occurs, with brain activity similar to that of waking hours.
  • Scientists believe dreams may play a role in memory consolidation, helping us process information and experiences from the day.

Literature

  • Many famous authors, like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, drew inspiration from their dreams to create iconic works of literature.
  • Dreams often serve as a narrative device in storytelling, allowing characters to experience insights or foreshadow significant events.

Origin of 'dreams'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dream' comes from the Old English 'drฤ“am,' which means 'joy' or 'music,' showing an early connection to pleasant experiences.
  • In many languages, the term for dreams derives from the concept of 'vision,' highlighting the visual and imaginative elements of dreams.

The word 'dream' originated from the Middle English word 'dreem', which is of Germanic origin. It has been used to describe the series of thoughts and images that occur during sleep since the 13th century. Over time, 'dream' has also come to represent cherished aspirations and ambitions in addition to its original meaning.

See also: daydream, daydreams, dream, dreamer, dreaming, dreamland, dreamlike, dreamscape, dreamy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,846, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.