Dream

v.hopeful, joyfulwarm

What it means

Imagine and deeply hope for a future possibility beyond present conditions.

Reach for it when expressing aspiration before a route or outcome is certain

The apprentices dream of opening a cooperative workshop in the empty depot.

playful
fantasize
when the imagined possibility is deliberately detached from reality
not when Fantasize may dismiss a serious and achievable dream.
everyday
hope
when desire for an outcome is sincere but grounded
not when Hope can focus on an immediate result rather than an expansive imagined future.
everyday
imagine
when forming the mental picture is the main action
not when Imagination does not necessarily include personal longing.
warm
set your sights on
when intention has become goal-directed
not when Setting sights suggests commitment beyond simply dreaming.
professional
aspire
when committed ambition and self-development are central
not when Aspire is more formal and usually points toward achievement or status.
professional
envision
when a future state is pictured strategically
not when Envision sounds planned and lacks dream's emotional openness.
formal
conceive
when generating an idea intellectually is the focus
not when Conceive is cool and says nothing about wanting the result.
literary
yearn
when deep longing outweighs practical possibility
not when Yearning can feel painful and passive.

dream of
Many residents dream of swimming in the restored river.
dare to dream
The scholarship allowed two pupils to dare to dream beyond immediate work.
dream big
Teachers encouraged the class to dream big and test each idea carefully.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.