"Dream up" is a phrasal verb predominantly used in informal contexts, making it a common choice in everyday conversation but less frequently found in formal writing or speeches. The verb "dream" combined with "up" suggests a process of inventing, concocting, or imagining something that is often creative or original. It's typically used when people are devising plans, ideas, or solutions that appear imaginative or fanciful. For example, one might "dream up" a new business idea or a plot for a novel. The phrase conveys a sense of innovation and creativity, often in a playful or whimsical context. Given its informal nature, it finds more resonance in casual dialogues, creative industries, or when describing imaginative processes.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To think of or create, particularly something imaginative or unrealistic.
She managed to dream up a perfect solution to her problem.
The marketing team dreamt up a new campaign that caught everyone's attention.
He's always dreaming up excuses for not doing his work.
They sat together and dreamt up a story for their next video project.