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bleary - Dictionary Page

bleary

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈblɪə.ri/

Definitions

  • Adjective: (of the eyes) showing signs of tiredness or sleepiness, typically with blurred vision, often from fatigue or lack of sleep.
  • Adjective: (figuratively) unclear or vague, as if obscured by fatigue or emotion.

Usage Examples

  • She blinked her bleary eyes after hours of studying.
  • He woke up feeling bleary-eyed after the long, restless night.
  • Her bleary expression told me she hadn’t slept a wink.

Etymology

First recorded in the 16th century, "bleary" derives from the Middle English word "bleery" (meaning dim or unclear), which came from the Old English "blēoran," meaning "to make dim or obscure." The term "bleary-eyed" likely emerged to describe the appearance of someone whose vision is blurred due to tiredness or eye conditions.

Synonyms

  • Sleepy
  • Tired
  • Exhausted
  • Hazy
  • Foggy

Antonyms

  • Clear
  • Alert
  • Vivid
  • Wide-eyed
  • Awake

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Ojos cansados [ˈoxos kanˈsaðos]
French Yeux fatigués [jø fa.tiɡe]
German Trübe Augen [ˈtrʏbə ˈaʊɡn̩]
Chinese (Mandarin) 疲劳的眼睛 [píláo de yǎnjīng]
Hindi थके-हारे आँखें [thakē-hārē āṅkhēṅ]
Arabic عيون متعبة [ʕuyūn mutaʕabā]

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • American English: /ˈblɪə.ri/
  • British English: /ˈblɪə.ri/
  • Indian English: /ˈblɪəriː/ (common use for exhaustion after a long day)

Historical Usage

The term "bleary" was first recorded in the late 16th century and initially referred to the physical condition of blurred vision, often caused by excessive drinking or fatigue. By the 19th century, it began to be applied more broadly to describe any unclear or blurry state, especially referring to the eyes or vision in literature and poetry. It continues to be a popular term today to describe someone who appears tired or fatigued.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, "bleary" often refers to the condition of someone who has been awake for too long or who has had insufficient rest, making it a common term in discussions about the toll of overwork or emotional stress. In some cultures, the bleary-eyed image evokes sympathy, while in others it may be seen as a sign of weakness or lack of self-care. In film and literature, a bleary-eyed character is often portrayed as someone in distress or at a breaking point.

More Information

The word "bleary" has evolved from its early use in describing blurred or unclear vision to its modern usage as a descriptor for exhaustion or lack of clarity, particularly in reference to tired eyes. Its metaphorical use, to describe mental or emotional fatigue, has also become widespread in popular culture. Whether describing the physical appearance of someone who has not slept, or someone whose thoughts are unfocused due to exhaustion, "bleary" captures the effects of fatigue both physically and emotionally. It remains an evocative term that adds a layer of depth to descriptions of weariness.

Despite its common usage, "bleary" remains a relatively informal term, often found in casual conversation and storytelling. It’s a versatile word that conveys a certain vulnerability, invoking empathy or a sense of shared experience, especially when paired with expressions of mental or physical exertion.

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