Wakeful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wakeful
[ˈweɪkfəl ]
Definition
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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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'.
Origin of 'wakeful'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'wakeful' originates from Middle English 'wakful', a combination of 'wake' and the suffix '-ful', which implies 'full of' or 'characterized by'. 'Wake' itself comes from the Old English 'wacan', meaning 'to be awake or to arise'. Over time, the term has been used in various contexts, frequently relating to periods of wakefulness in contrast to sleep. The word has roots in Germanic languages, with cognates appearing in Old High German 'wahan' and Old Norse 'vakna', both signifying the act of being awake. As society's understanding of sleep patterns evolved, so did the use of 'wakeful', often associated with both the physiological state of being awake and the metaphorical 'wakefulness' related to awareness and alertness in different situations.