Phantasy / noun /phan·​ta·​sy

The word “phantasy” is a noun that has a multi-faceted definition in the English language. In the first sense of the definition, we use the word to describe the act of generating mental images to serve a psychological need like protection or relief from anxiety. We also use the word much like we use the differently spelled word “fantasy” to describe imaginative works and fantastic characters of fiction in books, movies, and other forms of consumable media.

“Phantasy” can also represent the word ‘hallucination’ in its obsolete form. We can also use the word “phantasy” to represent things we consider ‘fancy.’

In a Sentence

Excited convention attendees went into the shop to buy their “phantasy” costumes for the event.

The Disney movie was a graphic display of “phantasy” and whimsy.

“Phantasy” characters often have out-of-this-world features we considered inhuman.

Etymology

We started using the word “fantasy” in the English language around the 16th century. Etymologists say we derive the word from a combination of languages that includes Greek, Latin, Old French, and English. The word “fantasy” took on a different spelling to change the meaning of the word to represent fantastical characters, creatures, and the variety of definitions we see used with the word today.

Synonym

Pipe Dream, Imagination

Antonym

Reality, Fact