Drowsy: meaning, definitions and examples

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drowsy

 

[หˆdraสŠzi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling sleepy

Feeling drowsy is a common side effect of taking certain medications, such as antihistamines. It is characterized by a strong desire to sleep or feeling sluggish and lacking energy. Drowsiness can also be caused by a lack of sleep or disrupted sleep patterns.

Synonyms

lethargic, sleepy, sluggish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drowsy

Often used when someone feels a strong need to sleep, usually due to medication or being in a relaxing environment.

  • After taking the medicine, he felt drowsy
  • The warm sun made everyone feel drowsy
sleepy

Used when someone needs rest and is on the verge of falling asleep. It is straightforward and commonly used.

  • She was so sleepy that she could barely keep her eyes open
  • The baby got sleepy after the long day at the park
sluggish

Describes a lack of energy or slow movement, often because of tiredness, illness, or a heavy workload. It can be negative when describing someone's performance or behavior.

  • He felt sluggish after eating a big meal
  • The economy has been sluggish this quarter, showing little growth
lethargic

Describes a state of being unusually lazy or slow, often due to illness or lack of motivation. It has a slightly more negative connotation.

  • After his illness, he felt lethargic all day
  • The heat made the dog lethargic and disinterested in playing

Examples of usage

  • I felt drowsy after taking the allergy medication.
  • She yawned, feeling increasingly drowsy as the lecture dragged on.
  • The warm room made him drowsy and he struggled to stay awake.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'drowsy' comes from the Middle English word 'drous', which means lazy or heavy.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'druรฐr', meaning sleep, showing its long connection to tiredness and sleepiness.
  • In various languages, similar words for 'drowsy' often relate to sleep or being weighed down, indicating a universal understanding of tiredness.

Science

  • The brain produces the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleepiness, often making us feel drowsy when it's dark.
  • Sleep studies indicate that lack of sleep causes drowsiness, significantly affecting attention and reactions, akin to being under the influence of alcohol.
  • Drowsiness can signal the bodyโ€™s need for rest, and recognizing it can prevent accidents and improve overall well-being.

Culture

  • In storytelling, characters often become drowsy before major plot twists, symbolizing vulnerability or a shift in reality.
  • Many cultures have lullabies, songs designed to make children feel drowsy and fall asleep peacefully.
  • The concept of 'afternoon drowsiness' is common worldwide, leading to practices like the siesta in some cultures, merging work with necessary rest.

Psychology

  • Drowsiness is often linked to emotional states, where feelings of sadness or boredom can increase fatigue and sleepiness.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can combat drowsiness, promoting alertness and engagement.
  • Drowsiness can be indicative of mental overload; taking breaks and ensuring balanced activities can help maintain energy levels.

Health

  • Chronic drowsiness can be a symptom of sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, emphasizing the importance of healthy sleep habits.
  • Certain medications may cause increased drowsiness, highlighting the need for caution when driving or operating machinery.
  • Nutrition plays a significant role; diets high in sugars can lead to quick spikes in energy followed by sharp drowsiness.

Translations

Translations of the word "drowsy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sonolento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเฅ€เค‚เคฆ เคฎเฅ‡เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schlรคfrig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengantuk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะพะฝะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ senny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็œ ใ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท somnolent

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ somnoliento

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท uykulu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กธ๋ฆฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุนุณุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ospalรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ospalรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›ฐๅ€ฆ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zaspan

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ syfjaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑะนา›ั‹ัˆั‹ะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒซแƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒ แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yatmฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ somnoliento

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,101, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.