WordGarden.iofantasy
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɑːntəsi/
US
- /ˈfæntəsi/
Meanings
Noun
a genre of stories involving magic, imaginary worlds, or supernatural elements
an imagined situation, wish, or daydream that is not real
an imagined sexual scenario or desire
Adjective
involving fantasy stories, imaginary worlds, or magical elements
involving simulated sports teams chosen by participants
Beyond the definition
Fantasy isn't just about dragons and wizards (though it often includes those!). It is the realm of imagination where anything is possible—worlds built on "what if?" and populated by creatures that don't exist in our reality. You might lose yourself in a fantasy novel, daydream about being a superhero, or simply indulge in a little harmless fantasy when planning your perfect vacation.
The word is usually a noun—like "a world of fantasy" or "a childhood fantasy." It can mean an imagined story or setting, but it can also mean a hope or picture in your mind that is not likely to come true: "Living the high life is just a fantasy for most people." You also see it used before another noun, as in "a fantasy novel" or "fantasy football." Think of it as stepping into a different reality, even if only in your mind.
Fantasy encompasses stories, images, or ideas that are imagined rather than based in reality. It is a vast genre of creative work—spanning literature, art, film, and games—that features magical elements, mythical creatures, and often takes place in entirely invented worlds. Think of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or even fairy tales like Cinderella—these all fall under the umbrella of fantasy.
But "fantasy" isn't limited to epic adventures. It also refers to a person's internal daydreams or wishful thinking. For example, saying "She indulged in fantasies about winning the lottery" means she spent time vividly imagining what that life would be like. It can even describe something that is highly improbable or completely unrealistic: "His claim of seeing a UFO was pure fantasy."
The word originates from the Greek phantasia, meaning "appearance" or "imagination." This root highlights the core idea behind fantasy: creating worlds and experiences through the power of the mind. So, whether you are exploring fantastical realms in a book, dreaming up impossible scenarios, or simply letting your imagination run wild, you are engaging with the world of fantasy—a place where the only limit is your creativity.
Examples
- 1
Book genre
She mainly reads fantasy novels and historical fiction.
- 2
Game world
The game lets you build your own fantasy world.
- 3
Personal wish
As a child, I had a fantasy of living on a tropical island.
- Patterna fantasy of doing something
an imagined wish
- 4
Escapism
For a few hours, the film gave us a chance to escape into fantasy.
- Phraseescape into fantasy
enjoy an imagined world instead of real life
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unrealistic idea
The idea that we can finish this project in two days is pure fantasy.
- Phrasepure fantasy
completely unrealistic
- 6
Private illusion
He lives in a fantasy where money is never a problem.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fantasynounverb
Forms
- fantasiespluralnounverb
- fantasiedpast tenseverbnoun
- fantasying-ing formverbnoun