Fantasies: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about imaginative thoughts or stories that are often unrealistic or fantastical. They can involve desires or scenarios that are unlikely to happen.

• She often gets lost in her fantasies about becoming a famous singer.
• His fantasies about winning the lottery kept him entertained during long workdays.

Has multiple contexts. Generally, it refers to the series of thoughts, images, and sensations that occur in a person's mind during sleep. It can also be used to describe an aspiration or hope for the future.

• I had a strange dream about flying last night.
• Her dream is to become a renowned scientist.

Often used to describe vivid mental images that someone can see in their mind or as part of a supernatural experience. It can also refer to a strong sense of what the future might look like.

• The prophet claimed to have visions of future events.
• He had a vision for the company's new marketing strategy.

Refers to pleasant, sometimes spontaneous thoughts or musings that occur while being awake. They usually happen when a person is not fully engaged in their current activity.

• He spent the afternoon in class lost in daydreams about his vacation.
• Her daydreams often included images of relaxing on a beach.

Typically used to describe any imaginative thoughts or scenarios, not necessarily sexual. Often used in a more general context.

• She often indulges in fantasies about traveling the world.
• His childhood fantasies included becoming a superhero.

Used to specifically refer to thoughts of a sexual nature. It has a more explicit and often personal connotation.

• He found himself distracted by erotic thoughts during the meeting.
• She confided in her friend about her persistent erotic thoughts.

This is often used in a clinical or formal context to describe sexual thoughts or fantasies. It's less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The therapist discussed the patient's sexual imaginings during the session.
• Her novel explores the sexual imaginings of its main characters.

Use 'fantasies' when referring to elaborate and imaginative thoughts, often involving desires or wishes that may not be realistic. This term can also have a slightly negative connotation when implying excessive or unrealistic thinking.

• Her elaborate fantasies about becoming a world-famous actress kept her entertained during boring meetings.
• He often indulges in fantasies about owning a private island.

Use 'imagine' when you want to visualize something in your mind, whether it's real or not. This term is often used to describe the act of thinking creatively or considering possibilities.

• Can you imagine living in a world without electricity?
• He likes to imagine what life would be like in the future.

Use 'daydream' to describe light, fleeting, and often pleasant thoughts that occur while awake and distracted. Daydreams are usually short and can happen during moments of boredom or relaxation.

• She found herself in a daydream during the history class, thinking about her upcoming vacation.
• Lost in a daydream, he didn't notice when the bus arrived at his stop.

Use 'dream up' when referring to the act of creating or inventing something new, often in a creative or imaginative way. It carries a sense of coming up with novel or unique ideas.

• They were trying to dream up a new marketing campaign that would attract more customers.
• She managed to dream up an innovative solution to the problem.