What does reverie mean?
Reverie is a noun meaning a dreamy state of mental absorption, as when someone becomes absorbed in thought and temporarily unaware of their surroundings. It can also denote a fanciful or impractical idea arising from such reflection. The word is closely related to daydream but usually has a more literary and contemplative tone. "Lost in reverie" describes someone carried away by thoughts, while "a moment of reverie" can refer to a brief period of imaginative reflection. Reverie may be pleasant and inspiring, though it can also suggest unrealistic speculation or withdrawal from immediate concerns. Borrowed from French reverie, the word retains a sense of dreaming while conveying a particularly elegant form of imaginative thought. It is especially useful in literary, poetic, and reflective contexts, where it distinguishes thoughtful absorption from an ordinary daydream.
nounA state of dreamy meditation or mental absorption, especially one in which thoughts wander or become fanciful. It can also refer to a fanciful or impractical notion conceived during such a state.
- A dreamy state of mental absorption in which thoughts wander or become fanciful.
- A fanciful or impractical idea or notion.
"She fell into a reverie, imagining the life she might have lived in another city."
"He stared out of the window, lost in reverie."
"Her plan to build a spacecraft from household materials was little more than reverie."
Reverie is a countable noun; the plural reveries is standard. It is also frequently used in the singular after articles or in expressions such as "in a reverie."
"Her afternoon was filled with reveries about distant places."
Borrowed from French, where reverie still carries its original sense of dreaming: the word has never entirely lost its poetic dreaminess.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reverie come from?
The English word was borrowed from French reverie, meaning "dreaming" or "daydream." The French noun was formed from rever, "to dream," with the suffix -ie. Related French forms include rêve, "dream," and rêveur, "dreamer," reflecting the word's association with the language of sleep and imagination.
Related word forms
How reverie is actually used
Reverie is more literary and elevated than the everyday word "daydream." It often suggests a pleasant, contemplative state, but it can also refer to impractical or unrealistic thoughts.
Easily confused with reverie
Reverie means dreamy absorption or fanciful thought, whereas reverence means deep respect or admiration.