Drowsy means feeling sleepy or lethargic, often resulting from tiredness or a desire to sleep.
History of the Word Drowsy
Ancient Notions of Drowsiness
The concept of drowsiness has ancient origins. Early cultures recognized the natural inclination to feel drowsy as part of the circadian rhythm.
Sleep in Antiquity
In ancient civilizations, like Egypt and Mesopotamia, sleep and drowsiness were studied and sometimes linked to religious beliefs.
Medieval Medicine
During the Middle Ages, drowsiness was connected to the balance of bodily humor, and treatments were developed to address it.
Renaissance and Beyond
The understanding of drowsiness advanced in the Renaissance era, with the rise of empirical medicine and scientific inquiry into sleep patterns.
Modern Sleep Science
In the 20th century, sleep research evolved significantly, leading to a better understanding of drowsiness and its impact on health.
English (Drowsy As Adjective)
Etymology
Drowsy has its roots in Middle English drousy, which may be linked to Old English drūsian, meaning become slow or inactive.
Pronunciation
Pronounced as /ˈdraʊzi/.
Adjective
| Adjective | Drowsy |
| Comparative Degree | More drowsy |
| Superlative Degree | Most drowsy |
| Adverb | Drowsily |
| Noun | Drowsiness |
Synonyms
- Sleepy
- Tired
- Lethargic
- Sluggish
- Dull
- Heavy-eyed
- Weary
- Fatigued
- Snoozy
- Torpid
- Dozy
- Somnolent
- Exhausted
- Listless
- Inert
Antonyms
- Alert
- awake
- energetic
- lively
- refreshed
Derived Terms
- Drowsily
- drowsiness
Translations of drowsy
- Spanish: somnoliento
- French: somnolent
- German: schläfrig
- Chinese (Simplified): 昏昏欲睡的 (hūnhūnyùshuì de)
- Japanese: 眠い (nemui)
- Arabic: نعسان (na’saan)
- Hindi: सुस्त (sust)
- Urdu: اونٹھ (oonṭh)
- Russian: сонный (sonnyy)
- Portuguese: sonolento
Example Sentences
- After a long day, she felt drowsy and struggled to stay awake.
- The warm, cozy room made him drowsy, and he nodded off.
- The medication left her feeling drowsily relaxed.
FAQs (People May Also Ask)
What does drowsy mean in simple terms?
Drowsy means feeling sleepy or lethargic, often due to tiredness.
Are there common causes of drowsiness?
Fatigue, lack of sleep, medications, and certain medical conditions can lead to drowsiness.
Is drowsiness the same as being tired?
Not exactly. Drowsiness refers to feeling sleepy, while tiredness is a general feeling of fatigue.
Can drowsiness be dangerous?
Yes, drowsiness can impair alertness and reaction times, potentially leading to accidents.
How can one combat drowsiness?
Getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and taking breaks can help reduce drowsiness.