Definition

A period in Australian Aboriginal mythology when the world was created and totemic beings roamed the earth, shaping the landscape and establishing the laws of existence.

Example

In Aboriginal culture, stories from the Dreamtime explain how the land and its creatures came to be.

Conversation

I just read an interesting article about dreamtime in Aboriginal culture.

Oh really? I've always been curious about their creation stories.

Yeah, they believe that the world was shaped during this dreamtime period.

That sounds fascinating! I'd love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dreamtime → The word is formed from "dream" (from Old English *drēam*, meaning a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep) and "time" (from Old English *tīma*, meaning a period or duration). The term "dreamtime" refers to a concept in Aboriginal Australian culture that describes the time of creation and the spiritual beliefs surrounding it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dream' as the thoughts and images we experience while sleeping, and 'time' as a period. Together, 'dreamtime' helps you remember a sacred period of creation in Aboriginal culture.

Visually Confused Words