Awake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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awake

[əˈweɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling alert and ready to act

Having woken up and not being asleep, alert and ready to act.

Synonyms

alert, aware, conscious, vigilant.

Examples of usage

  • She was wide awake at 3 a.m.
  • I felt fully awake after my morning coffee.
Context #2 | Verb

stop sleeping; wake from sleep

To stop sleeping; to wake from sleep.

Synonyms

arouse, awaken, stir.

Examples of usage

  • He awoke to the sound of the alarm clock.
  • The noise finally awoke the baby from his nap.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Awakening often involves a state of increased awareness and cognitive function.
  • Sleep cycles influence how we feel when we wake up, as different stages affect mood and alertness.
  • People sometimes experience 'sleep inertia,' a groggy feeling after waking, which can last from minutes to hours.

Health

  • Quality sleep is essential for effective waking. Lack of sleep can lead to various health issues like fatigue and stress.
  • Some studies show natural light exposure in the morning helps regulate the body’s internal clock, aiding in awakening.
  • Regular waking times can improve mental clarity and overall health, establishing a routine benefits productivity.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the first light of dawn symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities.
  • Awakening experiences are often spiritual or transformative, representing a shift in one's awareness or mindfulness.
  • Poetry and literature frequently use waking as a metaphor for enlightenment and realization.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of awakening, often tied to personal growth and self-discovery.
  • In classic tales, characters often face a moment of awakening that alters the course of their journey.
  • Authors like Franz Kafka and Virginia Woolf have extensively explored psychological themes related to consciousness and awakening.

Origin of 'awake'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'awacan,' which means 'to rise up or become awake.'
  • In Middle English, it transformed to 'awaken,' highlighting a gradual return to consciousness.
  • The prefix 'a-' in 'awake' suggests being in a state of doing something, while 'wake' refers to being alert.

The word 'awake' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'awaecan,' meaning to arise, originate from sleep. Over time, the word has evolved to its current form in Modern English, retaining its fundamental meaning of being alert or waking from sleep.


See also: wake.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,336 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.