Sleepy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sleepy

[หˆsliหpi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling tired

Feeling tired or drowsy, often as a result of lack of sleep or rest. It can also refer to a state of being sluggish or slow-moving.

Synonyms

drowsy, lethargic, sluggish, tired.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sleepy

Usually describes needing or wanting to sleep, often related to the end of the day or boring situations.

  • I get sleepy after 10 PM
  • The lecture was so boring it made me feel sleepy
drowsy

Often used when someone is feeling a strong inclination to sleep, generally due to medication or lack of sleep.

  • The medication made him feel drowsy
  • After a long drive, she was very drowsy
tired

Generally describes feeling in need of rest due to physical or mental effort.

  • He felt tired after the long hike
  • I am so tired from working all day
sluggish

Refers to a lack of energy and movement, and is often used for physical or mental slowness.

  • I felt sluggish after eating too much
  • The internet connection was sluggish today
lethargic

Describes a state of being really slow and lacking energy, often related to illness or extreme tiredness.

  • The hot weather made everyone lethargic
  • He felt lethargic after recovering from the flu

Examples of usage

  • I feel so sleepy after staying up all night studying.
  • The warm sun and gentle breeze made me feel sleepy.
Context #2 | Adjective

causing sleepiness

Causing a feeling of sleepiness or drowsiness in others. It can refer to something that has a calming or soothing effect.

Synonyms

calming, relaxing, soothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sleepy

Use when referring to a feeling of drowsiness or need for sleep.

  • I'm feeling really sleepy after such a long day
  • The movie made her feel sleepy
calming

Use when referring to something that reduces stress or anxiety and brings about a sense of peace.

  • The sound of waves is very calming
  • She finds painting to be a calming activity
soothing

Use when describing something that provides comfort, often to ease physical or emotional discomfort.

  • The lotion has a soothing effect on sunburned skin
  • His voice was so soothing that it calmed everyone
relaxing

Use when describing something that helps a person unwind or feel at ease.

  • Spending the evening reading a book is so relaxing
  • The spa has a very relaxing atmosphere

Examples of usage

  • The sound of the rain was so sleepy that I drifted off to sleep immediately.
  • The cozy atmosphere of the room made everyone feel sleepy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sleepiness is often caused by the body's natural circadian rhythm, which makes us feel awake during the day and sleepy at night.
  • When you don't get enough sleep, your brain tries to take a break by making you feel sleepy, which can help you recharge.
  • Feeling sleepy can also affect your mood, making you feel cranky or less able to concentrate.

Science

  • During sleep, the brain cleans itself by removing waste products, which can help improve memory and learning.
  • The average adult needs about 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best.
  • Sleepy feelings can be linked to levels of a hormone called melatonin, which increases when itโ€™s dark and decreases when itโ€™s light.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters that are sleepy often find themselves in whimsical adventures, such as the famous tale of 'Sleeping Beauty.'
  • In Japanese culture, there's a word 'inemuri' which refers to the practice of sleeping in public, showing how being sleepy can be normalized in certain societies.
  • Many cartoons depict sleepy characters who canโ€™t keep their eyes open, humorously exaggerating the effects of being tired.

Health

  • Chronic sleepiness can indicate sleep disorders, like insomnia or sleep apnea, which may need medical attention.
  • Studies show that napping can improve mood, performance, and alertness for people who feel sleepy during the day.
  • The quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity; deep sleep phases are crucial for waking up feeling refreshed.

Origin of 'sleepy'

The word 'sleepy' has Old English origins, dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the word 'slepe', meaning sleep. Over time, it evolved to describe the state of feeling tired or causing sleepiness. The use of 'sleepy' to refer to a drowsy or sluggish state has been prevalent in English literature and everyday language for centuries.


See also: asleep, sleep, sleeping.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,878, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.