Fantasies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
fantasies
[หfรฆntษsiz ]
Definitions
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
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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.
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| erotic thoughts |
Used to specifically refer to thoughts of a sexual nature. It has a more explicit and often personal connotation.
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| 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.
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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.
imagine
To fantasize means to indulge in fantasy or imagine something unreal or improbable.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'fantasies'
The word 'fantasies' originated from the Greek word 'phantasia', meaning 'imagination' or 'appearance'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both imaginative ideas and sexual thoughts. Fantasies have long been a part of human creativity and desire, allowing individuals to explore unreal realms and enhance their experiences.
See also: fantasist, fantasize, fantasizer, fantasizing, fantastical.