Definition
To dream — either while asleep, or to imagine something you wish for deeply.
Example
Elle rêve de voyager autour du monde un jour.
Show translation
She dreams of traveling around the world one day.
Etymology
From Old French *resver* (also *rêver*), meaning to wander or rave, of uncertain origin — possibly from a Gallo-Roman root related to wandering at night. The modern sense of dreaming (both sleeping and wishing) solidified in the 16th century. It also gave English the word *reverie* (a daydream or trance-like state of musing).
Cultural note
In French, *rêver de* + infinitive (to dream of doing something) and *rêver à* + noun (to dream about something/someone) are subtly different constructions. *Il rêve de devenir acteur* = He dreams of becoming an actor (aspiration); *Il rêve à elle* = He is dreaming/thinking longingly about her. Also note: *Tu rêves !* ("You're dreaming!") is a very common colloquial way to tell someone their idea is unrealistic — a false friend trap for learners who might expect it to always be positive.