Wakeful: meaning, definitions and examples

😳
Add to dictionary

wakeful

 

[ˈweɪkfəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

state of alertness

Wakeful refers to a state of being alert and unable to sleep. It can describe a person who is fully awake and aware of their surroundings, often used in a context where sleepiness is the norm.

Synonyms

alert, attentive, aware, vigilant.

Examples of usage

  • After two cups of coffee, I felt wakeful all night.
  • She was wakeful during the flight, unable to rest.
  • The baby is wakeful and ready to play.
  • In her wakeful state, she noticed every detail in the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'wacian', meaning to be awake or to be on watch.
  • The suffix '-ful' means full of or characterized by, so 'wakeful' literally means full of wakefulness.

Psychology

  • Being wakeful can enhance cognitive function, helping with memory and problem-solving.
  • Certain states of wakefulness are linked to mental health, as insomnia can lead to stress and anxiety.

Health

  • Adequate wakefulness is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as it affects mood and physical health.
  • Sleep disorders can cause prolonged wakefulness, making it important to prioritize good sleep hygiene.

Literature

  • In poetry, wakefulness often symbolizes awareness, mindfulness, and a connection to deeper truths.
  • Virginia Woolf famously explored themes of consciousness and wakefulness in her streams of thought within her novels.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, rituals are held at night that celebrate wakefulness, often to honor ancestors or mark transitions.
  • The concept of 'night owls' is common, describing people who are naturally more awake and active at night, differing from 'morning larks'.

Translations

Translations of the word "wakeful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vigia

🇮🇳 जागृत

🇩🇪 wachsam

🇮🇩 waspada

🇺🇦 будний

🇵🇱 czujny

🇯🇵 覚醒した

🇫🇷 éveillé

🇪🇸 despierto

🇹🇷 uyanık

🇰🇷 깨어 있는

🇸🇦 متيقظ

🇨🇿 bdělý

🇸🇰 bdelý

🇨🇳 清醒的

🇸🇮 buden

🇮🇸 vakandi

🇰🇿 ояну

🇬🇪 გაღვიძებული

🇦🇿 oyanıq

🇲🇽 despierto

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,878, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.