Asleep: meaning, definitions and examples

Indicates a state of rest where a person is not awake. Often used to describe someone who has already fallen into sleep.

• The baby is asleep in the crib.
• She was still asleep when I left the house.

Describes the act of being in the state of sleep. Used when emphasizing the action or describing ongoing sleep.

• He is sleeping on the couch.
• They are sleeping soundly after a long day.

A more poetic or literary term for sleeping, suggesting a deep or peaceful sleep.

• The cat lay slumbering in the sun.
• She fell into a deep slumber, undisturbed by the noise outside.

Usually used to describe someone who is not awake, often in a gentle or neutral tone. It implies a natural and peaceful state.

• The baby is asleep in her crib.
• She was already asleep when I got home.

Describes the action or state of being asleep. It's often used in a more general sense, covering various sleeping scenarios.

• The dog is sleeping under the table.
• I heard him sleeping soundly in the next room.

Used in more serious situations where a person is not awake due to injury, illness, or other medical conditions. It has a negative connotation and implies the need for immediate attention.

• He was knocked unconscious in the accident.
• The rescue team found her unconscious on the floor.

Identical to the previous, but suggesting that the first context is repeated accidentally. Usage and examples are the same.

• She was already asleep when I got home
• The baby is finally asleep

Refers to falling asleep unintentionally or for a short period, often in the middle of another activity or in a place where one would not normally sleep.

• He started to doze off during the boring lecture
• She dozed off on the train and missed her stop

Similar to 'doze off,' it means falling asleep, often unintentionally or quickly, and generally in a relaxed or lazy manner.

• I always drop off as soon as the plane takes off
• After reading a few pages, I dropped off on the couch