What is dream? Pronunciation and usage in English

dream means . Learn how to pronounce and use dream through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dream

dreamnoun/verb

/driːm/
Definition & pronunciation of dream

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dream" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners!

Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more conversational explanation:

1. Phonetic Symbols (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /drēm/

2. Explanation & Breakdown:

  • "D": Pronounce it like the "d" in "dog." It's a standard, short "d" sound.
  • "r": This is the key! In American English, we use a rhotic "r," which means we pronounce it – a quick, subtle "r" sound. Think of the "r" in "red." It blends into the following vowel sound.
  • "ē": This represents a long "e" sound – like in the word "see" or "eat." It's a slightly more open sound than a short "e" (like in "bed"). It's close to the "e" in "day."
  • "m": Pronounce it like the "m" in "mom."

3. How it sounds (and how to say it):

Imagine saying: "Druh-em"

  • Start with a clear "D."
  • Immediately follow that with a quick, barely noticeable "r" sound – it connects to the next sound.
  • Then, say the vowel sound "ē" (like in "see").
  • Finish with the "m" sound.

4. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

  • Dropping the "r": This is very common. Seriously work on that subtle "r" sound. It's what makes it tricky. Practice saying "red" repeatedly, focusing on the quick "r" sound.
  • Short "e": Don’t say "dream" like "dreen." It needs that long “e” sound.
  • Stumbling over the "r": Try to make the "r" sound flow smoothly into the "ē" vowel.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/dream/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.
  • Google Translate: Type "dream" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What accent are you trying to achieve? (e.g., American English, British English, Australian English?) Pronunciation can vary slightly between accents.

Usage and examples with the word dream in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dream" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by usage:

1. Dreams (as in, nighttime visions):

  • Definition: These are mental experiences that occur during sleep. They’re often vivid, bizarre, and emotionally charged.
  • Examples:
    • "I had a strange dream last night about flying."
    • "She often recounts her vivid dreams to her therapist."
    • "Lucid dreams are those where you’re aware you’re dreaming."
    • "Dream interpretation is a popular hobby."

2. To Dream (as in, to have a dream):

  • Definition: To experience a dream while sleeping. This is the verb form of the word.
  • Examples:
    • "I dream of traveling the world someday." (expressing a wish)
    • "He dreams of becoming a famous musician." (expressing an aspiration)
    • "She dreams every night." (a habitual action)
    • “He dreamt of a green field.” (past tense - he had a dream)

3. Dream (as in, aspiration, hope, ambition):

  • Definition: A cherished aspiration; a goal you deeply desire. This is perhaps the most common meaning when you hear "dream" used casually.
  • Examples:
    • "It's her dream to open a bakery."
    • "His biggest dream is to win an Olympic medal."
    • "Don't give up on your dreams." (a common expression)
    • "They’ve built their lives around a shared dream."

4. Dream (as in, a musical composition):

  • Definition: A musical piece, often lyrical and often associated with romance.
  • Examples:
    • "He sang her a beautiful dream."
    • "That song is a classic dream.”

5. Dream (as in, a computer program or simulation):

  • Definition: A software program that simulates a real-world environment – often used in training, design, or gaming.
  • Examples:
    • "The architects used a dream to visualize the building before construction."
    • "The pilot trained in a dream simulator."

Phrases Using "Dream":

  • To chase your dreams: To work hard towards your goals.
  • To live the dream: To experience a life that is considered ideal.
  • A dream come true: Something that has happened that you hoped for.
  • To dream big: To have ambitious goals.
  • Sharing a dream: Having a common goal or vision with someone.

Tips for Using "Dream" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning of "dream" is being used.
  • Verb vs. Noun: Remember that "dream" can be a verb (to have a dream) or a noun (a dream).
  • Figurative language: “Dream” is often used figuratively to express hopes, wishes, and aspirations.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "dream"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a specific sentence?)

Synonyms for the word dream

Practice with vocabulary dream

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup founder worked tirelessly to turn his entrepreneurial ______ into a successful reality.
  2. Many people harbor a secret ______ of traveling the world before they settle down.
  3. Her ultimate ______ is to become a leading expert in quantum physics, requiring years of dedicated study.
  4. Despite the challenging circumstances, she maintained an optimistic ______ for the future of the project.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After years of dedicated effort, securing a permanent position at the university was truly a ______ come true for Dr. Evans. A. fantasy B. vision C. dream D. goal

  2. Many young entrepreneurs ______ of developing a disruptive technology that will change the industry. A. aspire B. imagine C. dream D. scheme

  3. The project's outcomes far exceeded our wildest ______, leading to unexpected funding opportunities. A. expectations B. projections C. dreams D. hopes

  4. The board approved the ambitious ______ to double the company's market share within five years. A. prospect B. objective C. desire D. notion

  5. She articulated a clear ______ for the department's future, focusing on innovation and collaboration. A. fantasy B. premonition C. blueprint D. vision

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her greatest ambition is to become a successful author.
  2. He always imagined what it would be like to work for a non-profit organization.
  3. Despite facing many obstacles, she was determined to achieve her ultimate objective.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. dream
  2. dream
  3. aspiration
  4. vision

Exercise 2:

  1. C. dream
  2. A. aspire, C. dream
  3. C. dreams, D. hopes
  4. B. objective
  5. D. vision

Exercise 3:

  1. Becoming a successful author is her lifelong dream. / She dreams of becoming a successful author.
  2. He always dreamed of working for a non-profit organization.
  3. Despite facing many obstacles, she was determined to achieve her ultimate goal.

Comment ()