The verb “dream” plays a significant role in the English language, encompassing both literal and metaphorical dimensions. As a verb, “dream” primarily refers to the experience of having thoughts, images, or emotions while sleeping, often during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage when brain activity is high and resembles that of being awake. However, “dream” can also extend beyond the sleeping context to mean imagining or contemplating possibilities or aspirations in a waking state, often with an element of desire or longing. This dual usage makes “dream” a versatile and expressive verb, allowing it to capture a wide range of human experiences, from the fantastical journeys of the night to the hopeful aspirations of our waking lives.