Awaken: meaning, definitions and examples
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awaken
[əˈweɪkən ]
Definition
to become aware
To awaken means to stop sleeping, or to make someone stop sleeping. It can also mean to make someone aware of something, or to cause someone to become interested or responsive.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| awaken |
Commonly used in a more poetic or literary context. It can refer to waking up from sleep or becoming aware of something.
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| arouse |
Often used to indicate stirring up emotions or reactions. Can also have a physical or sexual connotation.
|
| awake |
Used to describe the state of being not asleep. It is also used figuratively to indicate becoming aware or alert.
|
| stir |
Typically used to indicate causing movement or a reaction. Can refer to waking up or to emotional agitation.
|
| rouse |
Used to describe waking someone up, often with some effort. Also means to stir emotions or action, typically used more with a sense of urgency.
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Examples of usage
- He was awakened by the loud noise.
- She awakened to the sound of birds chirping.
- The tragic event awakened a sense of compassion in him.
- His speech awakened the audience to the importance of climate change.
- The shocking news awakened the community to the need for action.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The origins of 'awaken' trace back to Old English, where it is derived from 'awacnian', which meant 'to wake up'.
- In Middle English, the form 'awaken' became more commonly used, maintaining the same meaning of waking from sleep.
- The word evolved with influences from various parts of the Germanic languages, pointing to a common root in the idea of 'rising up'.
Psychology
- Awakening can refer to a moment of realization or insight, often leading to personal growth or changes in behavior.
- In psychology, 'awareness' is a key factor for self-improvement, as awakening one's consciousness can lead to better decision-making.
- Meditation practices often aim to help individuals awaken their awareness, achieving a deeper connection with their thoughts and feelings.
Literature
- In many literary works, 'awakening' is a motif symbolizing character development, such as in Kate Chopin's 'The Awakening', where a woman realizes her own identity.
- Great authors have used awakenings not just to signify literal waking, but to represent profound self-discovery and enlightenment.
- Poets often portray awakening as a sudden burst of realization, capturing the feeling of coming into one's true self through metaphors.
Pop Culture
- In films like 'The Matrix', awakening represents the moment a character becomes aware of the true nature of their reality.
- Music frequently uses the concept of awakening as a theme, indicating a transition from confusion to clarity, as seen in various empowering anthems.
- This term is prevalent in social movements, invoking a sense of collective awakening to social justice issues that demand attention.
Religious and Spiritual Contexts
- Many spiritual traditions emphasize the need for personal awakening to attain enlightenment or inner peace.
- In Buddhism, the term 'Buddha' itself translates to 'the awakened one', signifying the state of realization of ultimate truths.
- Various texts and teachings encourage followers to awaken their spiritual awareness to understand their purpose or connection to the universe.
Translations
Translations of the word "awaken" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despertar
🇮🇳 जगाना
🇩🇪 erwachen
🇮🇩 bangun
🇺🇦 прокидатися
🇵🇱 obudzić
🇯🇵 目覚める
🇫🇷 éveiller
🇪🇸 despertar
🇹🇷 uyandırmak
🇰🇷 깨우다
🇸🇦 استيقظ
🇨🇿 probudit
🇸🇰 prebudiť
🇨🇳 唤醒
🇸🇮 prebuditi
🇮🇸 vekja
🇰🇿 ояту
🇬🇪 გამოღვიძება
🇦🇿 oyatmaq
🇲🇽 despertar