Word
bad dream
Countable noun
Definition
n. a frightening or unpleasant dream that makes you feel scared, sad, or worried while you sleep.
n. an unpleasant or frightening sequence of images and emotions experienced during sleep. Often used as a less formal synonym for nightmare.
Examples
“The child woke up crying after having a bad dream.”
“I had a bad dream about failing my exams, even though I graduated years ago.”
“Distinguishing between a standard bad dream and a clinical night terror is essential for determining the appropriate psychological intervention for disrupted sleep cycles.”
Examples
simple
“The child woke up crying after having a bad dream.”
contextual
“I had a bad dream about failing my exams, even though I graduated years ago.”
complex
“Distinguishing between a standard bad dream and a clinical night terror is essential for determining the appropriate psychological intervention for disrupted sleep cycles.”
Usage
Frequently precedes the verb 'to have' as the direct object.
Pitfall
I saw a bad dream
I had a bad dream
In English, dreams are 'had' or 'experienced', not 'seen' as they might be in other languages.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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