Drowsiness

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdraʊ.zi.nəs/ (General American, British English)

Definitions

• A state of feeling abnormally sleepy or sluggish.
• A condition of reduced alertness, often leading to sleep.

Usage Examples

• The long lecture filled her with an overwhelming sense of drowsiness.
• Drowsiness while driving can be extremely dangerous.
• After taking the medication, he experienced a wave of drowsiness.

Etymology

Derived from ‘drowsy’ (Middle English ‘drowsi,’ meaning sleepy or sluggish) with the suffix ‘-ness,’ which denotes a state or condition.

Synonyms

• Sleepiness
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Sluggishness
• Torpor

Antonyms

• Wakefulness
• Alertness
• Vigilance
• Energy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈdraʊ.zi.nəs/
• British English: /ˈdraʊ.zi.nəs/

Historical Usage

‘Drowsiness’ has been used in English since at least the 16th century to describe a state of sleepiness or sluggishness. The term is commonly found in medical and literary contexts.

Cultural Nuances

Drowsiness is often associated with comfort and relaxation in some cultures, while in others, it may signify laziness or a lack of productivity. In medical contexts, drowsiness is sometimes viewed as a symptom of underlying conditions or medication side effects.

More Information

‘Drowsiness’ is widely used in modern English, especially in medical fields to describe symptoms related to fatigue, medication effects, or sleep disorders. It is also commonly mentioned in road safety campaigns due to the dangers of drowsy driving.