Sleep: meaning, definitions and examples

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sleep

[ sliːp ]

Noun / Verb

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Noun}

a state of rest for the body and mind

Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, reduced muscle activity, and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Synonyms

nap, rest, slumber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sleep	General state of being asleep, typically used to refer to the nightly routine. I try to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. He fell into a deep sleep immediately after hitting the bed.
slumber	A poetic or formal term for sleep, often suggesting a peaceful and deep state of sleep. The baby was in a gentle slumber. After a hectic day, she was looking forward to a night of blissful slumber.
rest	A period of relaxation or inactivity to regain energy, which doesn't necessarily mean sleeping. I need to rest my eyes after staring at the computer all day. He took a rest on the couch after his workout.
nap	A short period of sleep, usually during the day, to refresh oneself. I often take a nap in the afternoon when I'm tired. She felt much better after a quick nap.

Examples of usage

I need to get more sleep to feel refreshed in the morning.
He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to be in a state of rest for the body and mind

To sleep is to regularly and naturally engage in the state of rest for the body and mind, often accompanied by a loss of consciousness and reduced bodily functions.

Synonyms

doze, nap, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sleep	Used in a general sense when referring to the natural, prolonged period of rest for the body and mind that occurs regularly every night. I need to go to sleep early tonight. She didn't get enough sleep last night.
doze	Refers to a light or short sleep, especially during the daytime or in a sitting position. It often implies a brief, unintentional sleep. He dozed off while watching TV. I tend to doze in the afternoon after lunch.
nap	Used to describe a short sleep, usually taken during the day. It is typically more intentional and planned than a doze. She takes a nap every afternoon. A quick nap can refresh you for the rest of the day.
rest	Refers to a period of relaxation or being inactive, which may or may not include sleep. It is a broader term that can also mean taking a break from activities. You should rest after your workout. He lay down to rest for a while.

Examples of usage

I like to sleep for at least 8 hours every night.
The baby sleeps peacefully in her crib.

Translations

Translations of the word "sleep" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sono

🇮🇳 नींद

🇩🇪 Schlaf

🇮🇩 tidur

🇺🇦 сон

🇵🇱 sen

🇯🇵 睡眠 (すいみん)

🇫🇷 sommeil

🇪🇸 sueño

🇹🇷 uyku

🇰🇷 잠

🇸🇦 نوم

🇨🇿 spánek

🇸🇰 spánok

🇨🇳 睡眠 (shuìmián)

🇸🇮 spanje

🇮🇸 svefn

🇰🇿 ұйқы

🇬🇪 ძილი

🇦🇿 yuxu

🇲🇽 sueño

Etymology

The word 'sleep' has its origins in Old English 'slæpan' which means 'to be or lie in a restful state'. Over time, the word evolved to 'sleep' in Middle English. The concept of sleep has been an essential part of human life since ancient times, with various cultural beliefs and practices surrounding it. Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health, and has been the subject of scientific study and research for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,792, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1789 demands
1790 fight
1791 draw
1792 sleep
1793 ran
1794 solutions
1795 carbon
...