Reverie: meaning, definitions and examples

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reverie

[ˈrɛv(ə)ri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

daydreaming

A state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream.

Synonyms

daydream, fantasy, meditation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reverie	Used to describe a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts. Often associated with positive, dreamy reflections. She drifted into a reverie, thinking about the beautiful day she spent at the beach. His reverie was interrupted by the ringing phone.
daydream	Refers to a brief, pleasant distraction from reality. Unlike reverie, it often implies a fleeting and less deep mental escape. During the boring lecture, she couldn't help but daydream about her upcoming vacation. He spent the whole afternoon daydreaming instead of focusing on his work.
fantasy	Involves imagining scenarios that are often improbable or impossible in reality. Can be positive or have a slight negative connotation if seen as unrealistic or impractical. As a child, he had a fantasy of becoming a superhero. She indulged in fantasies of what her life could be like in another city.
meditation	Refers to the practice of focusing the mind and achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It is often used in a more structured and intentional context compared to daydream or reverie. He practices meditation every morning to start his day with a clear mind. Meditation helped her manage stress and find inner peace.

Examples of usage

He was deep in reverie, staring out of the window.
She often found herself slipping into reverie while listening to music.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music

An instrumental piece suggesting a dreamy or musing state.

Synonyms

melody, musical composition, serenade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reverie	A brief, fanciful mental escape, often characterized by joyful imagination or nostalgia; a positive form of daydreaming. He often fell into a reverie about his childhood Her reverie was filled with dreams of success and happiness
musical composition	A complete piece of music that is written or created. It can contain multiple melodies and is often more complex. Beethoven is famous for his excellent musical compositions The students performed a musical composition at their recital
melody	A sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity, often the main theme in a piece of music. The melody of the song was incredibly catchy She hummed a melody while she worked
serenade	A piece of music sung or played in the open air, typically by a man under the window of his lover. It can also mean any romantic melody. He performed a serenade under her window to express his love The quartet played a beautiful serenade at the wedding

Examples of usage

She performed a beautiful reverie on the piano.
The composer's reverie captured the audience's attention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the French 'rêverie,' which means 'daydreaming' or 'musing.'
It traces back to the Old French 'rever,' meaning 'to dream,' showing a deep connection with dreaming and imagination.
The concept reflects a transition from a literal dream state to a wakeful daydream.

Literature

In literature, characters often enter a state of reverie to reflect on their lives or recount memories, adding depth to their experiences.
Famous poets, like William Wordsworth, frequently described reverie as a way to connect with nature and personal insights.
From romantic poets to modern writers, reverie has been used as a narrative device to convey characters' inner thoughts.

Psychology

Psychologists see reverie as a healthy escape, helping us process emotions and imagine possibilities.
It can enhance creativity, as wandering thoughts often lead to innovative ideas and solutions.
Excessive reverie, however, can lead to distraction and difficulty concentrating in daily life.

Art

Artists use reverie as a theme, often depicting dreamlike scenes that inspire imagination and emotional response.
Surrealist painters, such as Salvador Dalí, create works that evoke a sense of reverie, where reality blends with fantastical elements.
Musicians may evoke reverie through soft melodies and lyrics that encourage listeners to reflect and dream.

Pop Culture

Reverie commonly appears in movies and songs, often used to symbolize longing or nostalgia, making it relatable for audiences.
Songs by artists such as Pink Floyd often incorporate themes that evoke a sense of profound contemplation or daydreaming.
In popular media, characters frequently fall into reverie during pivotal moments, highlighting their internal conflicts and desires.

Translations

Translations of the word "reverie" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devaneio

🇮🇳 कल्पना

🇩🇪 Tagtraum

🇮🇩 lamunan

🇺🇦 мрія

🇵🇱 marzenie

🇯🇵 夢想 (むそう)

🇫🇷 rêverie

🇪🇸 ensueño

🇹🇷 hayal

🇰🇷 공상 (gongsang)

🇸🇦 خيال

🇨🇿 snění

🇸🇰 snívanie

🇨🇳 幻想 (huànxiǎng)

🇸🇮 sanjanje

🇮🇸 dagdraumur

🇰🇿 қиял

🇬🇪 ოცნება

🇦🇿 xəyal

🇲🇽 ensueño

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,631, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18628 rescuing
18629 vulnerabilities
18630 thickest
18631 reverie
18632 nakedness
18633 coincidental
18634 seditious
...