IN DREAMS Meaning and
Definition
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"In dreams" refers to the state or realm experienced during the stage of sleep known as dreaming. Dreaming is a mental process characterized by the occurrence of vivid sensory experiences, thoughts, emotions, and imagery that are usually unrelated to the individual's current wakeful state or reality. When we say something happened "in dreams," it means that it only occurred within the realm of these sleeping mental reveries.
In dreams, individuals often enter an altered state of consciousness where they may encounter a variety of experiences, such as fantastical scenarios, familiar or unfamiliar places, people, events, or emotions. These experiences can range from pleasant and pleasurable to distressing, confusing, or even bizarre.
While the exact purpose or meaning of dreams remains a topic of debate and speculation, they are generally considered to be a part of the normal sleep cycle and a unique form of mental activity. Some psychologists and theorists propose that dreams serve as a mechanism for the processing and integration of emotions, memories, and experiences, aiding in problem-solving, learning, and creativity.
In popular culture, the phrase "in dreams" may also be used figuratively to express a desire, wish, or hope that may seem unattainable or distant in reality. It conveys the idea of longing for something that can only be achieved or experienced within the realm of imagination or fantasy, akin to the elusive nature of dreams themselves.
Etymology of IN DREAMS
The phrase "in dreams" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a combination of two common words.
The word "in" derives from Middle English "in(n)" and Old English "innan", both of which mean "inside" or "within". Its origins can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "inne" and Proto-Indo-European, where it shared a similar meaning.
The term "dream" comes from Middle English "dreme", which is related to Old English "drieme" or "drēam". It can be connected to the Proto-Germanic root "draugmaz" meaning "illusion" or "phantom", and traces further back to the Proto-Indo-European root "dreh₁-" associated with "to wander" or "to run".
