Dreams: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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%

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.

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.

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.