Dream vs. Reality — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Dreams are a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep, abstract and not bound by logic, while reality is the state of things as they actually exist, governed by natural laws and experienced during wakefulness.
Difference Between Dream and Reality
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dreams are subjective experiences that occur during sleep, often vivid and imaginative, and can include fantastical elements or scenarios that defy real-world logic. On the other hand, reality is the objective state of the world around us, experienced and verified through our senses and consistent logical and physical laws.
While dreaming, the brain constructs a narrative from subconscious thoughts, desires, and memories, which can be influenced by recent events or deeper emotional issues. In contrast, reality involves active and conscious interaction with the environment, shaped by physical presence and sensory perceptions.
Dreams can be influenced by individual psychological states, emotional well-being, and even external noises or sensations that are integrated into the dream content. Conversely, reality is shared and consistent across different observers; what is perceived as real can be commonly agreed upon and scientifically validated.
In terms of function, dreams might serve various psychological purposes, such as processing emotions, organizing memories, or integrating new experiences. Reality, however, is the arena where conscious decisions are made, actions are taken, and societal norms and laws operate.
The boundary between dreams and reality can sometimes blur, especially in conditions like lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and can exert some control over the dream. However, the fundamental distinction lies in control and consistency: dreams are inherently internal and fluid, whereas reality is external and stable.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Subjective and internal
Objective and external
Governed by
Subconscious mind
Natural laws and logic
Consistency
Variable, often illogical
Stable and logical
Influence
Psychological states, emotions
Physical, observable phenomena
Experience Timing
During sleep
During wakefulness
Compare with Definitions
Dream
A mental experience during sleep featuring a sequence of images or narratives.
She had a dream where she could fly, which felt incredibly real.
Reality
Governed by physical laws and logical consistency.
In reality, objects thrown into the air will fall back down due to gravity.
Dream
Reflective of subconscious mind activities.
Dreams about water are thought to symbolize emotions and subconscious thoughts.
Reality
The state of the world as it actually exists, observable and tangible.
Reality for her meant dealing with daily challenges in her job and family life.
Dream
Can be influenced by personal desires or fears.
Stressful days often lead to intense dreams reflecting his anxieties.
Reality
Experienced through the senses during wakefulness.
He experienced the reality of the cold weather as soon as he stepped outside.
Dream
Often symbolic or abstract, not bound by real-world rules.
In his dream, time flowed backwards, presenting an intriguing scenario.
Reality
Subject to verification and testing.
Scientific experiments are designed to test hypotheses and establish facts about reality.
Dream
May contain elements that mix real and fantastical details.
Her dream blended childhood memories with surreal landscapes.
Reality
Agreed upon by collective observation and understanding.
The reality of climate change is recognized and documented through scientific research.
Dream
A dream is a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. The content and function of dreams are not fully understood, although they have been a topic of scientific, philosophical and religious interest throughout recorded history.
Reality
Reality is the sum or aggregate of all that is real or existent within a system, as opposed to that which is only imaginary. The term is also used to refer to the ontological status of things, indicating their existence.
Dream
A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep
I had a recurrent dream about falling from great heights
Reality
The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them
Laura was losing touch with reality
He refuses to face reality
Dream
A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal
I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion
Reality
The quality or state of being actual or true.
Dream
Experience dreams during sleep
I dreamed about her last night
Reality
One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual
"the weight of history and political realities" (Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.).
Dream
Indulge in daydreams or fantasies about something greatly desired
She had dreamed of a trip to America
Reality
The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
Dream
Contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case
I wouldn't dream of foisting myself on you
I never dreamed anyone would take offence
Reality
That which exists objectively and in fact
Your observations do not seem to be about reality.
Dream
A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.
Reality
Relating to or being a genre of television or film in which a storyline is created by editing footage of people interacting or competing with one another in unscripted, unrehearsed situations.
Dream
A daydream; a reverie.
Reality
The state of being actual or real; realness.
The reality of the crash scene on TV dawned upon him only when he saw the victim was no actor but his friend.
Dream
A state of abstraction; a trance
Wandering around in a dream.
Reality
The real world.
Dream
A condition or achievement that is longed for; an aspiration
A dream of owning their own business.
Reality
The entirety of all that is real.
Dream
A wild fancy or unrealistic hope
He knew that playing for a professional team was only a dream.
Reality
An individual observer's own subjective perception of that which is real.
Dream
(Informal) One that is exceptionally gratifying, excellent, or beautiful
Her boyfriend is a dream.
Reality
(obsolete) loyalty; devotion.
Dream
To experience a dream in sleep
Dreamed of meeting an old friend.
Reality
; real estate.
Dream
To daydream
Sat there dreaming during class.
Reality
The state or quality of being real; actual being or existence of anything, in distinction from mere appearance; fact.
A man fancies that he understands a critic, when in reality he does not comprehend his meaning.
Dream
To have a deep aspiration or hope
Dreaming of a world at peace.
Reality
That which is real; an actual existence; that which is not imagination, fiction, or pretense; that which has objective existence, and is not merely an idea.
And to realities yield all her shows.
My neck may be an idea to you, but it is a reality to me.
Dream
To regard something as feasible or practical
I wouldn't dream of skiing on icy slopes.
Reality
Loyalty; devotion.
To express our reality to the emperor.
Dream
To experience a dream of while asleep
Did it storm last night, or did I dream it?.
Reality
See 2d Realty, 2.
Dream
To conceive as possible; imagine
We never dreamed it would snow so much.
Reality
All of your experiences that determine how things appear to you;
His world was shattered
We live in different worlds
For them demons were as much a part of reality as trees were
Dream
To have as an aspiration or hope
She dreams that she will become a pilot.
Reality
The state of being actual or real;
The reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
Dream
To pass (time) idly or in reverie.
Reality
The state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be;
Businessmen have to face harsh realities
Dream
Imaginary events seen in the mind while sleeping.
Have a dream
Scary dream
Vivid dream
Erotic dream
Feel like a dream
Be in a dream
Reality
The quality possessed by something that is real
Dream
(figurative) A hope or wish.
Have a dream
Fulfil a dream
Harbour a dream
Realize a dream
Dream
A visionary scheme; a wild conceit; an idle fancy.
A dream of bliss
The dream of his youth
Live in a dream
Wake up from a dream
Impossible dream
Dream
(intransitive) To see imaginary events in one's mind while sleeping.
Dream
(intransitive) To hope, to wish.
Dream
(intransitive) To daydream.
Stop dreaming and get back to work.
Dream
(transitive) To envision as an imaginary experience (usually when asleep).
I dreamed I was a superhero and flew through a fireworks show.
Dream
(intransitive) To consider the possibility (of).
I wouldn't dream of snubbing you in public.
Dream
Ideal; perfect.
Dream
The thoughts, or series of thoughts, or imaginary transactions, which occupy the mind during sleep; a sleeping vision.
Dreams are but interludes which fancy makes.
I had a dream which was not all a dream.
Dream
A visionary scheme; a wild conceit; an idle fancy; a vagary; a revery; - in this sense, applied to an imaginary or anticipated state of happiness; as, a dream of bliss; the dream of his youth.
There sober thought pursued the amusing theme,Till Fancy colored it and formed a dream.
It is not them a mere dream, but a very real aim which they propose.
Dream
To have ideas or images in the mind while in the state of sleep; to experience sleeping visions; - often with of; as, to dream of a battle, or of an absent friend.
Dream
To let the mind run on in idle revery or vagary; to anticipate vaguely as a coming and happy reality; to have a visionary notion or idea; to imagine.
Here may we sit and dreamOver the heavenly theme
They dream on in a constant course of reading, but not digesting
Dream
To have a dream of; to see, or have a vision of, in sleep, or in idle fancy; - often followed by an objective clause.
Your old men shall dream dreams
At length in sleep their bodies they compose,And dreamt the future fight
And still they dream that they shall still succeed
Dream
A series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep;
I had a dream about you last night
Dream
A cherished desire;
His ambition is to own his own business
Dream
Imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake;
He lives in a dream that has nothing to do with reality
Dream
A fantastic but vain hope (from fantasies induced by the opium pipe);
I have this pipe dream about being emperor of the universe
Dream
A state of mind characterized by abstraction and release from reality;
He went about his work as if in a dream
Dream
Someone of something wonderful;
This dessert is a dream
Dream
Have a daydream; indulge in a fantasy
Dream
Experience while sleeping;
She claims to never dream
He dreamt a strange scene
Common Curiosities
What is the purpose of dreams?
Dreams can serve various functions such as processing emotions, facilitating learning, and helping with memory formation.
Can dreams impact reality?
While dreams themselves are not real, the feelings and insights gained from them can influence a person's real-life decisions and emotional responses.
How do dreams differ from reality?
Dreams are subjective and often illogical experiences occurring during sleep, while reality is the objective and logical state of things as they exist.
Is it possible to control dreams?
Through techniques like lucid dreaming, some people can become aware of and control their dreams to various extents.
How do we distinguish dreams from reality?
Dreams occur during sleep and can be bizarre or illogical, whereas reality is consistent, logical, and experienced through wakefulness and sensory input.
What happens to our brain during dreaming?
During REM sleep, when most vivid dreaming occurs, the brain is active, processing information and consolidating memories.
How do physical sensations affect dreams?
External stimuli, like sounds or temperature, can be incorporated into dreams, influencing their content and nature.
What role does memory play in dreams?
Dreams often integrate recent and long-term memories, which can help in emotional regulation and problem-solving.
What scientific methods are used to study dreams?
Researchers use methods like brain imaging and sleep studies to understand the mechanisms of dreaming and its effects on health.
Is there a connection between mental health and dreams?
Yes, conditions like depression and anxiety can affect dream content and frequency, and interpreting dreams can sometimes be part of therapeutic practices.
Why do some people have more vivid dreams than others?
Factors like stress, sleep quality, and personality can influence how vividly a person dreams.
How do cultural perceptions of dreams differ?
Different cultures may interpret the significance and meaning of dreams in various ways, often influenced by religious or spiritual beliefs.
What can unusually vivid or disturbing dreams indicate?
They can be a symptom of sleep disorders, stress, or changes in medication, and may require medical attention if they persist.
Can everyone remember their dreams?
Dream recall varies widely among individuals; some remember dreams frequently and vividly, while others seldom remember them.
How do dreams and reality interact in creative processes?
Many artists and thinkers use insights from dreams to inspire creativity, blending dream-induced visions with real-world applications.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
