WordGarden.io

dreamily

B2
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /drˈiːmɪli/

US

    Meanings

    Adverb

    1. in a way that shows someone is lost in pleasant thoughts

    2. in a softly romantic, wistful, or idealized way

    Beyond the definition

    To do something "dreamily" means to act as if you're lost in a pleasant daydream. Someone might gaze out the window with a soft smile, speak in a quiet, faraway tone, or move as if their mind is somewhere else. A character might stare dreamily into the distance, imagining another life, or a musician might play dreamily, giving the music a soft, floating feeling. It suggests calm thoughts and gentle distance from what is happening around them.

    The word often suggests gentleness, quiet pleasure, or light longing. You would not usually use it for something fast, sharp, or tense. It fits moments that feel soft, thoughtful, or a little removed from ordinary life. In stories, writers often use "dreamily" to show a character's private thoughts and feelings. For example: "She hummed dreamily, remembering summer days gone by."

    Examples

    1. 1

      Travel

      She stared out the train window dreamily as the hills rolled past.

    2. 2

      Imagined future

      "Maybe we'll live by the sea one day," he said dreamily.

    3. 3

      Romantic feeling

      Anna smiled dreamily whenever someone mentioned Marco's name.

    4. 4

      Music

      The singer's voice rose and fell dreamily, and the room went quiet.

    See also

    Similar

    Shades of meaning

    Contrast

    Used with (collocations)

    • smile dreamily
    • gaze dreamily
    • say dreamily

    Word family

    Explore

    Forms and spellings

    1 form open this card.

    Main spelling

    • dreamilyadverb