swefn
/swefn/neuter
The English word "dream" is translated into Old English as swefn.
The noun swefn refers to imaginary events seen while sleeping. If you want to express the action of seeing such events, you can use the related verb mǣtan. Additionally, the term swefnlic can be used to describe something that is dreamlike or pertains to dreams.
Meaning: imaginary events seen while sleeping (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun swefn is neuter. Use the genitive plural form swefna to mean "of dreams" and the dative plural form swefnum to mean "to", "for" or "with dreams".
How do you pronounce it?
/swefn/
Did you know?
- In Old English, the word swefn was used for the nocturnal experience, while the word 'dream' described a loud celebration or a festive gathering.
- Old English literature often features the 'dream vision', a genre where the narrator falls asleep to encounter symbolic figures and divine truths.
- The Old English word swefn is a distant cousin to the Latin word 'somnus', which is the root of our English word 'somnolent'.
Examples in context
- Iċ ġefylde mīn swefn.I fulfilled my dream.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of swefn.
Example conversation
Two people talking in the morning.
- OsricHwæt wæs þīn swefn?What was your dream?
- MildrythMīn swefn wæs grim.My dream was grim.
- OsricHwǣr wǣre þū on þǣm swefne?Where were you in the dream?
- MildrythIc wæs on wuda.I was in a forest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dream” translations and entries swefn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries swefn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
