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A1 noun #57 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

dream

Top 57

At the A1 level, a 'dream' is simply something you see when you are sleeping. It is a basic noun. You use it to talk about your night. For example, 'I had a dream.' You also use it for very simple wishes, like 'My dream is a big car.' The focus is on the most common meaning: the pictures in your head at night. Learners should focus on the phrase 'have a dream' and avoid saying 'see a dream'. This is one of the first abstract nouns a student learns because everyone dreams and everyone has simple wishes. It is often paired with basic verbs like 'have', 'want', and 'is'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'dream' to talk about the future more often. You can describe your dreams with simple adjectives like 'good', 'bad', or 'strange'. You start to understand that 'dream' can be a goal. For example, 'My dream is to travel to London.' You also learn the verb form: 'I dream about my family.' You understand the difference between a 'dream' and a 'nightmare'. You might use it in simple questions to start a conversation, such as 'What is your dream job?' This level focuses on expanding the word from just sleep into the territory of basic personal interests and future plans.

At the B1 level, you can use 'dream' in more complex sentences and idiomatic expressions. You understand phrases like 'dream come true' or 'follow your dreams'. You can describe your dreams in more detail using adverbs and more specific adjectives like 'vivid' or 'unusual'. You can discuss the importance of dreams in life and how they motivate people. You also start to use the preposition 'of' correctly for aspirations (e.g., 'I dream of becoming a writer'). At this stage, you can participate in a discussion about what dreams might mean, using 'dream' as a central topic for expressing opinions and feelings.

At the B2 level, you understand the nuance between 'dream', 'ambition', and 'aspiration'. You can use the word in a variety of registers, from informal slang ('In your dreams!') to more formal contexts. You are familiar with the 'American Dream' and other cultural references. You can use 'dream' as a modifier (e.g., 'dream candidate', 'dream scenario'). You can talk about the psychology of dreaming, using terms like 'subconscious' or 'REM sleep' in conjunction with the word. Your use of the word is fluid, and you rarely make mistakes with prepositions or collocations. You can also use the word metaphorically in more sophisticated writing.

At the C1 level, you use 'dream' with great precision and stylistic flair. You can explore the philosophical implications of dreams—both as nocturnal events and as human drives. You understand subtle idioms like 'pipe dream' or 'beyond my wildest dreams'. You can use the word to create imagery in your writing, perhaps contrasting a 'shattered dream' with a 'burgeoning hope'. You are comfortable using 'dream' in academic or literary analysis, discussing how a 'dream sequence' functions in a novel. You recognize the emotional weight the word carries and can use it to evoke specific feelings in your audience, whether in a speech or a formal essay.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'dream' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can use the word in highly nuanced ways, perhaps discussing the 'ephemeral nature of dreams' or the 'socio-economic barriers to the realization of dreams'. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can play with the word in puns, poetry, or complex rhetoric. You understand the most obscure literary references to dreams, from Shakespeare to modern surrealism. For you, 'dream' is a flexible tool that can represent anything from a fleeting neurological spark to a grand, civilization-defining vision.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

dream en 30 secondes

A dream is a mental experience during sleep, often involving vivid imagery and emotions.
It also signifies a major life goal or a profound ambition that someone hopes to achieve.
The word can describe something perfect or ideal, like a 'dream house'.
Commonly used in idioms like 'dream come true' to describe a successful outcome.

The word dream is a versatile and evocative noun that operates in two primary dimensions of human experience: the subconscious world of sleep and the conscious world of ambition. At its most fundamental level, a dream is a sequence of sensations, images, and thoughts passing through the mind during certain stages of sleep. These can range from mundane reflections of the day to surreal, impossible adventures. Beyond the biological and psychological phenomenon, the word expands into the realm of human desire. In this context, a dream represents a cherished aspiration, an ultimate goal, or a vision of a future that one hopes to achieve. It is the mental blueprint of a life one wishes to lead.

The Nighttime Vision: This refers to the involuntary mental activity during sleep. For example, you might see yourself flying or talking to a long-lost friend. These dreams are often forgotten quickly upon waking but can feel incredibly real while they are happening.
The Life Goal: This usage describes a profound hope or ambition. It is something you work toward with passion. When someone says, 'It has always been my dream to visit Japan,' they are talking about a long-held desire, not something they saw while sleeping.
The Ideal State: Sometimes 'dream' is used as a modifier to describe something perfect. A 'dream house' or a 'dream job' implies that the object meets every possible requirement and brings total satisfaction, as if it were pulled from one's imagination.

I had a very strange dream where I was walking on the moon with my cat.

Example of a nocturnal dream.

Her dream is to become a world-famous surgeon and help people in need.

Example of an aspirational dream.

In social contexts, 'dream' is a word of encouragement. We tell children to 'follow their dreams' to inspire them to be ambitious. In literature and film, dreams often serve as metaphors for the internal state of a character or as foreshadowing for future events. The word carries a positive connotation of hope, though it can also be used to describe something unrealistic, as in the phrase 'pipe dream'. Whether you are describing a vivid nightmare or a lifelong ambition, the word 'dream' captures the essence of human imagination and the drive to reach beyond our current reality.

Using the word dream correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a countable noun and its common collocations. Because it can refer to both sleep-states and life-goals, the surrounding verbs and adjectives change depending on the intended meaning. When discussing sleep, we often use adjectives like 'vivid', 'weird', 'recurring', or 'lucid'. When discussing goals, we use 'lifelong', 'ambitious', 'shattered', or 'realized'.

Common Verb Pairings: To have a dream (sleep), to follow a dream (ambition), to achieve a dream (success), to interpret a dream (psychology), to shatter a dream (failure).

He finally achieved his dream of opening a small bakery in the countryside.

I keep having this recurring dream where I forget the lyrics to my favorite song.

In more complex sentences, 'dream' can be the subject or the object. As a subject: 'My dream is what keeps me going during difficult times.' As an object: 'She never gave up on her dream despite the many obstacles.' It can also be used in the possessive form: 'The dream's intensity was so strong that he woke up sweating.' Understanding these patterns allows for more natural and fluid English communication.

The word dream is ubiquitous in English-speaking culture, appearing in everything from historical speeches to modern pop songs. It is a cornerstone of the 'American Dream'—the national ethos that suggests anyone can achieve success through hard work. You will hear it in casual morning conversations ('Did you have any dreams last night?') and in high-stakes professional environments ('This project is a dream come true for our team').

In Music and Film: Countless songs use the word to express longing or fantasy. Think of 'California Dreamin'' or 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)'. In movies, dreams are often used as a plot device to show a character's deepest fears or desires, such as in the film 'Inception'.
In History: The most famous use of the word is likely Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech, where the word represents a vision of racial equality and justice. This usage cemented 'dream' as a powerful political and social term.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin..."

Martin Luther King Jr., 1963.

In daily life, the word is often used colloquially. If someone is being unrealistic, a friend might say, 'In your dreams!' as a sarcastic way of saying 'That will never happen.' Conversely, if someone is very happy with a situation, they might say they are 'living the dream.' This wide range of usage—from the deeply serious to the lightheartedly sarcastic—makes it one of the most important words to master in the English language.

While dream is a relatively simple word, learners often stumble over its specific idiomatic uses and prepositional requirements. One of the most frequent errors involves the choice of verb when describing the act of dreaming during sleep. Many languages use a verb meaning 'to see', but in English, we almost exclusively use 'to have'.

The 'See' vs. 'Have' Error: Incorrect: 'I saw a dream about you.'
Correct: 'I had a dream about you.' English speakers view dreams as experiences we undergo, rather than visual media we observe from the outside.
Confusing 'Dream' and 'Hope': While related, a 'dream' is more imaginative and often larger in scale than a 'hope'. A hope is a specific desire for a likely outcome, whereas a dream is a grand vision. You 'hope' it doesn't rain, but you 'dream' of becoming an astronaut.

Incorrect: My dream is that it stops raining soon.

This should be 'hope'. Dreams are for long-term aspirations.

Another mistake is using 'dreamy' to mean 'like a dream' in a literal sense. While 'dreamy' can mean vague or wonderful, it is often used to describe a person who is attractive or a situation that is pleasantly surreal. Using it to describe a literal dream from sleep is less common and can sound slightly off to native speakers.

To truly master the concept of a dream, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Depending on whether you are talking about sleep or goals, different words might be more precise. For sleep, you might use 'nightmare' or 'vision'. For goals, you might use 'ambition', 'aspiration', or 'fantasy'.

Dream vs. Nightmare: A 'dream' is neutral or positive. A 'nightmare' is specifically a frightening or unpleasant dream. You would never say 'I had a bad dream' if it was truly terrifying; you would call it a nightmare.
Dream vs. Ambition: 'Ambition' is more practical and focused on success and power. A 'dream' is more emotional and imaginative. Someone might have the 'ambition' to be CEO, but their 'dream' is to paint in a quiet studio.
Dream vs. Fantasy: A 'fantasy' often implies something that is impossible or purely for entertainment. A 'dream' is something that, while difficult, the person might actually try to achieve.

His aspiration to lead the company was clear to everyone.

Using 'aspiration' instead of 'dream' for a professional context.

Other alternatives include 'reverie' (a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream) and 'hallucination' (seeing things that aren't there while awake, which is medical rather than subconscious). Choosing the right word depends on the intensity of the experience and the context of the conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The candidate's vision for the company aligns with our long-term dreams."

Neutre

"I had a dream that I was late for work."

Informel

"In your dreams, buddy!"

Child friendly

"Close your eyes and have sweet dreams."

Argot

"That car is a total dream."

Le savais-tu ?

The meaning of 'dream' shifted from 'joy/music' to 'visions during sleep' in the 13th century, likely influenced by Old Norse 'draumr'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /driːm/

US /drim/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

beam cream gleam scheme scream steam stream team

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ea' as a short 'e' like in 'dress'.
Not blending the 'd' and 'r' smoothly.
Making the 'm' sound too short.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is short and common in most basic texts.

Écriture 2/5

Spelling 'ea' can be tricky for some beginners.

Expression orale 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful for small talk.

Écoute 1/5

Clear sound that is rarely confused with other words.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

sleep want think night hope

Apprends ensuite

ambition aspiration nightmare goal vision

Avancé

subconscious ephemeral utopian reverie lucid

Grammaire à connaître

Gerunds after 'dream of'

I dream of traveling (not 'to travel').

Prepositions with 'dream'

Dream about (sleep) vs. Dream of (ambition).

Stative vs. Dynamic

I am dreaming (right now) vs. I dream of peace (general).

Adjective order

A strange, vivid, recurring dream.

Countable nouns

I had two dreams last night.

Exemples par niveau

I had a dream last night.

J'ai fait un rêve la nuit dernière.

Uses the past simple of 'have'.

My dream is a new bike.

Mon rêve est un nouveau vélo.

Noun used as a subject with the verb 'to be'.

It was a good dream.

C'était un beau rêve.

Adjective 'good' modifies the noun 'dream'.

Do you have a dream?

As-tu un rêve ?

Question form using the auxiliary 'do'.

I do not like bad dreams.

Je n'aime pas les mauvais rêves.

Negative sentence with plural noun.

Her dream is to be a doctor.

Son rêve est d'être médecin.

Infinitive phrase 'to be a doctor' follows the verb 'is'.

The dream was very short.

Le rêve était très court.

Definite article 'the' used for a specific dream.

Tell me about your dream.

Parle-moi de ton rêve.

Imperative sentence with the preposition 'about'.

I had a strange dream about flying.

J'ai fait un rêve étrange où je volais.

Adjective 'strange' and prepositional phrase 'about flying'.

It is my dream to visit Paris one day.

C'est mon rêve de visiter Paris un jour.

Dummy subject 'it' followed by the real subject 'my dream'.

He had a nightmare, which is a bad dream.

Il a fait un cauchemar, ce qui est un mauvais rêve.

Relative clause explaining the synonym.

What is your dream job?

Quel est le métier de tes rêves ?

Compound-like use where 'dream' acts as a modifier.

She dreams of becoming a famous singer.

Elle rêve de devenir une chanteuse célèbre.

Verb form 'dreams of' followed by a gerund.

I forgot my dream as soon as I woke up.

J'ai oublié mon rêve dès que je me suis réveillé.

Conjunction 'as soon as' connecting two actions.

Dreams can be very colorful and exciting.

Les rêves peuvent être très colorés et excitants.

Modal verb 'can' expressing possibility.

My little brother talks in his sleep during a dream.

Mon petit frère parle dans son sommeil pendant un rêve.

Prepositional phrase 'during a dream'.

Winning the lottery was a dream come true for him.

Gagner à la loterie a été un rêve devenu réalité pour lui.

Idiomatic expression 'dream come true'.

You should follow your dreams, no matter what people say.

Tu devrais suivre tes rêves, peu importe ce que les gens disent.

Modal 'should' for advice; 'no matter what' clause.

I had a vivid dream that felt incredibly real.

J'ai fait un rêve lucide qui semblait incroyablement réel.

Adjective 'vivid' and relative clause with 'felt'.

The athlete's dream of an Olympic medal was finally realized.

Le rêve de l'athlète d'une médaille olympique s'est enfin réalisé.

Passive-like construction 'was realized'.

Some people believe that dreams have hidden meanings.

Certaines personnes croient que les rêves ont des significations cachées.

Noun clause 'that dreams have hidden meanings'.

He is living the dream in his new house by the ocean.

Il vit le rêve dans sa nouvelle maison au bord de l'océan.

Idiom 'living the dream' in the present continuous.

I don't remember the details, but it was a pleasant dream.

Je ne me souviens pas des détails, mais c'était un rêve agréable.

Contrastive conjunction 'but'.

Her dream of traveling the world started when she was a child.

Son rêve de voyager à travers le monde a commencé quand elle était enfant.

Subject-verb agreement with a long prepositional phrase.

The sudden loss of funding shattered his dream of building a school.

La perte soudaine de financement a brisé son rêve de construire une école.

Metaphorical verb 'shattered' used with 'dream'.

She described the experience as being like a fever dream.

Elle a décrit l'expérience comme étant comme un rêve fiévreux.

Compound noun 'fever dream' used for intense, surreal experiences.

The house was everything they had imagined; it was their dream home.

La maison était tout ce qu'ils avaient imaginé ; c'était la maison de leurs rêves.

Compound-like use of 'dream' as an attributive noun.

In your dreams! I would never agree to such a ridiculous plan.

Dans tes rêves ! Je n'accepterais jamais un plan aussi ridicule.

Sarcastic idiom used as an exclamation.

The scientist spent years pursuing the dream of clean energy.

Le scientifique a passé des années à poursuivre le rêve de l'énergie propre.

Participial phrase 'pursuing the dream'.

Dreams are often a reflection of our deepest anxieties and desires.

Les rêves sont souvent le reflet de nos angoisses et désirs les plus profonds.

Abstract noun used in a philosophical statement.

He had the dream of becoming a pilot since he first saw a plane.

Il avait le rêve de devenir pilote depuis qu'il a vu un avion pour la première fois.

Present perfect-like structure with 'since'.

The movie explores the thin line between reality and dreams.

Le film explore la frontière ténue entre la réalité et les rêves.

Parallel structure 'between reality and dreams'.

The project turned out to be a pipe dream, as the technology didn't exist yet.

Le projet s'est avéré être une chimère, car la technologie n'existait pas encore.

Idiom 'pipe dream' meaning an unrealistic hope.

His success was beyond his wildest dreams when he started the company.

Son succès dépassait ses rêves les plus fous lorsqu'il a fondé l'entreprise.

Idiom 'beyond one's wildest dreams'.

The novelist uses a dreamlike prose to convey the character's confusion.

Le romancier utilise une prose onirique pour transmettre la confusion du personnage.

Adjective 'dreamlike' used for stylistic description.

To achieve such a feat requires more than just a dream; it requires discipline.

Accomplir un tel exploit nécessite plus qu'un simple rêve ; cela nécessite de la discipline.

Contrastive structure 'more than just... it requires'.

The recurring dream served as a catalyst for her psychological breakthrough.

Le rêve récurrent a servi de catalyseur à sa percée psychologique.

Complex vocabulary like 'catalyst' and 'breakthrough'.

The American Dream has been a subject of both inspiration and critique.

Le rêve américain a été un sujet à la fois d'inspiration et de critique.

Proper noun phrase 'American Dream' as a socio-political concept.

He was so exhausted that he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Il était si épuisé qu'il est tombé dans un sommeil profond et sans rêve.

Adjective 'dreamless' indicating the absence of dreams.

The fleeting nature of dreams makes them difficult to study scientifically.

La nature éphémère des rêves les rend difficiles à étudier scientifiquement.

Gerund phrase as the subject of the sentence.

The protagonist's journey is a haunting exploration of shattered dreams and lost innocence.

Le voyage du protagoniste est une exploration obsédante de rêves brisés et d'innocence perdue.

Sophisticated literary tone and imagery.

Whether dreams are mere neurological byproducts or windows into the soul remains a mystery.

Que les rêves soient de simples sous-produits neurologiques ou des fenêtres sur l'âme reste un mystère.

Noun clause 'Whether... soul' acting as the subject.

The policy was criticized as a utopian dream that ignored the harsh realities of the market.

La politique a été critiquée comme un rêve utopique qui ignorait les dures réalités du marché.

Adjective 'utopian' used to qualify the noun 'dream'.

He spoke with a fervor that suggested his dream was more than a mere ambition; it was a calling.

Il parlait avec une ferveur qui suggérait que son rêve était plus qu'une simple ambition ; c'était une vocation.

Nuanced distinction between 'dream', 'ambition', and 'calling'.

The artist sought to capture the ethereal quality of a half-remembered dream.

L'artiste a cherché à capturer la qualité éthérée d'un rêve à moitié oublié.

Advanced adjectives 'ethereal' and 'half-remembered'.

The collective dream of a unified Europe faced significant challenges in the 21st century.

Le rêve collectif d'une Europe unie a été confronté à des défis importants au XXIe siècle.

Metaphorical use of 'dream' for a political movement.

She dismissed his proposal as the idle dream of a man who had lost touch with reality.

Elle a rejeté sa proposition comme le rêve vain d'un homme qui avait perdu le contact avec la réalité.

Collocation 'idle dream' and the idiom 'lost touch with reality'.

The poem reflects on the transient beauty of dreams in an increasingly cynical world.

Le poème réfléchit sur la beauté éphémère des rêves dans un monde de plus en plus cynique.

High-level academic and literary vocabulary.

Synonymes

ambition aspiration fantasy vision hope

Antonymes

reality actuality fact

Collocations courantes

vivid dream

recurring dream

follow your dreams

achieve a dream

shattered dreams

dream come true

dream job

lucid dream

sweet dreams

pipe dream

Phrases Courantes

In your dreams!

Living the dream

Beyond my wildest dreams

Like a dream

Dream on

A dream boat

Broken dreams

Day dream

Dream team

Never in my dreams

Souvent confondu avec

dream vs hope

Hope is for likely things; dream is for big, imaginative things.

dream vs sleep

Sleep is the state; dream is the experience within that state.

dream vs vision

Vision is often more formal or religious/prophetic.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Pipe dream"

An idea or plan that is impossible or very unlikely to happen.

His plan to become a billionaire by thirty was a pipe dream.

informal

"Dream come true"

Something that happens which you have wanted for a long time.

Winning the championship was a dream come true.

neutral

"In your dreams"

Used to tell someone that what they are hoping for will not happen.

You think she'll go out with you? In your dreams!

informal

"Living the dream"

Having an ideal life, or used sarcastically to describe a difficult situation.

Another day in paradise, just living the dream.

informal

"Beyond one's wildest dreams"

To a degree that is much better than one could have imagined.

The profit was beyond our wildest dreams.

neutral

"Sweet dreams"

A wish for someone to have pleasant dreams while they sleep.

Goodnight, sleep tight, and sweet dreams.

neutral

"Dream on"

Used to tell someone that they are being unrealistic.

You think you'll win the lottery? Dream on.

informal

"A dream ticket"

A perfect combination of people, especially in politics.

They were considered the dream ticket for the upcoming election.

journalistic

"Go like a dream"

To work very smoothly or successfully.

The presentation went like a dream.

neutral

"Wouldn't dream of it"

Used to say that you would never do something because it is wrong or unlikely.

I wouldn't dream of telling your secret to anyone.

neutral

Facile à confondre

dream vs nightmare

Both happen during sleep.

A nightmare is specifically scary; a dream can be anything.

I had a dream about a cake, but then it turned into a nightmare about a monster.

dream vs daydream

Both involve imagination.

A dream happens while asleep; a daydream happens while awake.

I was daydreaming in class and didn't hear the teacher.

dream vs fantasy

Both are imaginative.

Fantasy is often impossible; a dream is something you might try to achieve.

Flying like a bird is a fantasy; becoming a pilot is a dream.

dream vs ambition

Both are goals.

Ambition is more about power/success; dream is more emotional/idealistic.

His ambition was to be rich, but his dream was to be happy.

dream vs reverie

Both are mental states.

Reverie is a literary term for a pleasant daydream.

He fell into a deep reverie while looking at the painting.

Structures de phrases

My dream is [noun].

My dream is a dog.

I dream about [noun/verb-ing].

I dream about flying.

It is my dream to [verb].

It is my dream to visit Japan.

A dream come true.

The party was a dream come true.

Shatter someone's dream.

The news shattered her dreams.

Beyond one's wildest dreams.

The house was beyond my wildest dreams.

A pipe dream.

That plan is just a pipe dream.

The collective dream of [group].

The collective dream of the nation was peace.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I saw a dream. → I had a dream.
English uses 'have' for internal experiences like dreams.
I dream to be a doctor. → I dream of being a doctor.
The verb 'dream' is followed by 'of' and a gerund, not an infinitive.
It was a nightmare dream. → It was a nightmare.
'Nightmare' is a noun itself; you don't need to add 'dream' after it.
My dream is that it is sunny. → I hope it is sunny.
'Dream' is for big life goals, 'hope' is for small daily desires.
He is a big dreamer. → He has big dreams.
While 'dreamer' is a word, it can sometimes imply someone is lazy or unrealistic. 'Has big dreams' is more positive.

Astuces

Verb Choice

Always use 'have' with the noun 'dream' when talking about sleep. 'I had a dream' is the standard way to say it.

Nightmare vs. Dream

Don't just say 'bad dream'. Use the word 'nightmare' to sound more like a native speaker.

Sarcasm Alert

Be careful with 'In your dreams!'. It is a funny way to tease friends, but it can be rude to strangers.

Adjective Use

Use adjectives like 'vivid', 'strange', or 'recurring' to make your descriptions of dreams more interesting.

Conversation Starter

Asking 'Did you have any interesting dreams lately?' is a great way to start a friendly conversation.

The American Dream

Understand that 'The American Dream' is a specific cultural concept about success and opportunity.

Long Vowel

Make sure to stretch the 'ee' sound in 'dream'. It should sound like 'beam' or 'team'.

Visual Link

Associate 'dream' with a cloud. Clouds are soft like sleep and high up like our big goals.

Dream of + ING

When talking about future goals, remember to use the -ing form: 'I dream of traveling', not 'I dream to travel'.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, use 'aspiration' or 'vision' instead of 'dream' to sound more professional.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

D-R-E-A-M: Do Realize Every Ambition Matters. This helps you remember that dreams are about goals.

Association visuelle

Imagine a cloud floating above a sleeping person's head with a bright gold star inside it.

Word Web

Sleep Goal Nightmare Vision Hope Imagination Future Success

Défi

Write three sentences: one about a dream you had last night, one about your dream job, and one using the phrase 'dream come true'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle English 'drem', which comes from the Old English 'drēam'. Interestingly, in Old English, the word meant 'joy', 'mirth', or 'music'.

Sens originel : Joy, noise, or music.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Generally a positive word, but be careful using 'dreamer' in US political contexts, as it refers to a specific group of immigrants (DACA recipients).

Commonly used in motivational speaking and self-help literature.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' The movie 'Inception'

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Morning conversation

Did you dream?
I had a weird dream.
I don't remember my dream.
It was a nice dream.

Career planning

What's your dream job?
I'm following my dream.
Don't give up on your dream.
My dream is to work abroad.

Encouragement

Follow your dreams.
Dream big.
Believe in your dreams.
Make your dreams happen.

Bedtime

Sweet dreams.
I hope you have good dreams.
Don't let the bedbugs bite.
Sleep well.

Disappointment

It was just a dream.
My dreams were shattered.
A broken dream.
It's a pipe dream.

Amorces de conversation

"What is the strangest dream you have ever had while sleeping?"

"If you could have any dream job in the world, what would it be?"

"Do you believe that dreams have special meanings or are they just random?"

"What was your biggest dream when you were a little child?"

"Do you think it is more important to be realistic or to follow your dreams?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a recurring dream you have and what you think it might mean.

Write about a dream you achieved and how it made you feel.

If you had no limits, what would your 'dream life' look like in five years?

Reflect on a time when a dream was shattered and how you moved forward.

Discuss the concept of the 'American Dream' and if it still exists today.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is both! As a noun, it's the thing you see in sleep (I had a dream). As a verb, it's the action (I dream of you).

Use 'dream about' for things you see while sleeping. Use 'dream of' for your goals and ambitions.

No, in English we say 'I had a dream'. 'Saw a dream' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

A pipe dream is an idea or plan that is impossible or will never happen. It's often used to describe someone's unrealistic hopes.

It means having a perfect life. However, people often use it sarcastically when they are actually having a hard time.

A lucid dream is a dream where you know you are dreaming while you are still asleep.

Yes, usually. It means something is wonderful or a person is very attractive.

The plural is 'dreams'. It is a regular countable noun.

In American English, it is usually 'dreamed'. In British English, 'dreamt' is also very common.

It is the idea that anyone, regardless of where they were born, can achieve success in the US through hard work.