Fantasies: meaning, definitions and examples

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fantasies

[ˈfæntəsiz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in imagination

Fantasies are unrealistic and imaginative ideas or plans. They are often a product of creative thinking and can involve elaborate scenarios or stories.

Synonyms

daydreams, dreams, visions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fantasies	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.
dreams	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.
visions	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.
daydreams	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.

Examples of usage

He often gets lost in his fantasies, dreaming up elaborate worlds and characters.
She enjoys writing fantasy stories filled with magical creatures and far-off lands.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sexual

In a sexual context, fantasies are thoughts or images that arouse sexual desire. They can involve a wide range of scenarios or situations.

Synonyms

erotic thoughts, sexual imaginings.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fantasies	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.
erotic thoughts	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.
sexual imaginings	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.

Word

Description / Examples

fantasies

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.

erotic thoughts

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.

sexual imaginings

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.

Examples of usage

It's normal to have sexual fantasies, as they can add excitement and variety to a person's sex life.
Exploring your sexual fantasies with a partner can help deepen intimacy and communication.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

imagine

To fantasize means to indulge in fantasy or imagine something unreal or improbable.

Synonyms

daydream, dream up, imagine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fantasies	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.
imagine	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.
daydream	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.
dream up	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.

Examples of usage

She often fantasizes about traveling the world and experiencing new cultures.
Don't waste time fantasizing about the future; take action to make your dreams a reality.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'fantasy' comes from the Greek word 'phantasia,' which means to make visible or to appear.
Throughout history, people have used stories and myths to express their fantasies, often as a form of escapism from reality.
In the Middle Ages, 'fantasy' was associated with the supernatural, often linking dreams with prophecy and omens.

Literature

Fictional worlds created in literature, like J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth or J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, are classic examples of written fantasies.
Romantic, adventure, and science fiction genres often explore human desires and wishes, allowing readers to escape into different realities.
The concept of 'fantasy' as a literary genre emerged in the 19th century, gaining significant popularity in the 20th century.

Psychology

Psychologists suggest that fantasies can help individuals work through complex feelings, fears, and desires.
Daydreaming, a form of fantasy, has been shown to boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
Studies indicate that engaging in positive fantasies can improve mood and decrease anxiety.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia' showcase how fantasies can transport us to incredible imaginary worlds.
Video games often immerse players in fantastical settings, allowing them to live out adventurous narratives they've created.
Fantasy themes heavily influence fashion, art, and even marketing, tapping into the human love for imagination and adventure.

Science

Research in cognitive science shows that imagining scenarios, or 'mental simulations,' prepares our brains for real-life challenges.
Fantasy can also play a role in innovation; many inventors describe their initial ideas as imaginative visions of what could be.
Neuroscientists have found that dreaming about experiences activates similar brain areas as actually experiencing them, showcasing the blend of reality and fantasy.

Translations

Translations of the word "fantasies" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fantasias

🇮🇳 कल्पनाएँ

🇩🇪 Fantasien

🇮🇩 fantasi

🇺🇦 фантазії

🇵🇱 fantazje

🇯🇵 幻想 (gensō)

🇫🇷 fantasmes

🇪🇸 fantasías

🇹🇷 fanteziler

🇰🇷 환상 (hwansang)

🇸🇦 أوهام

🇨🇿 fantazie

🇸🇰 fantázie

🇨🇳 幻想 (huànxiǎng)

🇸🇮 fantazije

🇮🇸 fantasíur

🇰🇿 қиялдар

🇬🇪 ფანტაზიები

🇦🇿 fantaziyalar

🇲🇽 fantasías

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,562, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11559 dine
11560 imagining
11561 snatched
11562 fantasies
11563 smelled
11564 broadened
11565 blinked
...