Reverie
Word of the Day
What is Reverie?
noun
A state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; a daydream.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to celebrate the beauty of idle thoughts and how they can lead to creativity, clarity, or unexpected insight.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The soft music sent him into a gentle reverie.
She was jolted from her reverie by a sudden knock at the door.
Writers often find inspiration during quiet moments of reverie.
Word Origins
Old French reverie meaning “wild conduct, delirium”
Initially implied madness or frenzy before shifting toward “dreaminess” in modern English.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Verb:
They revered the artist for her vision.
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Noun:
She drifted into a peaceful dream.
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Adjective:
He had a dreamy look on his face.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: ensueño
- French: rêverie
- German: Tagtraum
- Italian: fantasia
- Portuguese: devaneio
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Dream
“Dream” can imply sleep or ambition; “reverie” is waking and aimless.
Meditation
“Meditation” is focused and intentional; “reverie” is passive and drifting.
Fantasy
“Fantasy” suggests elaborate imagination; “reverie” is lighter and more fleeting.
Fun Facts
- “Reverie” was once associated with lunacy or uncontrolled behavior.
- Studies show daydreaming (reverie) is linked to problem-solving and creativity.
Cultural Usage
- The word “reverie” appears in Romantic poetry to evoke imagination and introspection.
- Claude Debussy’s piano piece “Rêverie” captures the feeling of tranquil daydreaming.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “dream” or “fantasy”; reverie is more fleeting and personal.
Micro Story
She stared out the window, lost in a reverie about a life she’d never lived.