What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
daydream
Example
She spent the afternoon daydreaming about her future travels. [daydream: verb]
Example
He often retreats into daydreams during long meetings. [daydreams: noun]
reverie
Example
She was lost in reverie, staring out the window at the passing scenery. [reverie: noun]
Example
He often slips into reveries while listening to music. [reveries: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Daydream is more commonly used than reverie in everyday language. Daydream is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while reverie is less common and tends to be associated with more poetic or literary language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between daydream and reverie?
While daydream is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, reverie is more formal and poetic in nature, making it suitable for more elevated or artistic contexts.