drowsy
DROW-zee
/ˈdraʊzi/
Sleepy, half-awake, or lethargic; tending to cause sleepiness.
Drowsy describes a physical state of heavy eyelids and slow thinking, often occurring naturally before sleep or as a side effect of medication.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to the Old English 'drūsian', which meant to droop, sink, or become inactive. Over centuries, this physical drooping of the body and eyelids evolved into the Middle English 'drowen', eventually settling into 'drowsy' to describe the heavy-lidded state of near-sleep.
Word relationships
- sleepy: 'Sleepy' is a general term, while 'drowsy' often carries a connotation of heavy, sluggish physical weakness or drug-induced lethargy.
- lethargic: 'Lethargic' implies a lack of energy or enthusiasm, which may or may not be accompanied by actual sleepiness.
- alert: 'Alert' means fully awake, attentive, and ready to act.
- vigilant: 'Vigilant' implies a high state of protective or cautious wakefulness.
Commonly confused with
- groggy: 'Drowsy' is the state of falling asleep, whereas 'groggy' is the dazed, unsteady feeling experienced after waking up prematurely.
Word family
- drowsily (adverb): In a sleepy or half-awake manner.
- drowsiness (noun): The state of feeling sleepy or lethargic.
Collocations
- feel drowsy
- drowsy afternoon
- drowsy medication
Example sentences
- "This medication may make you drowsy; do not operate heavy machinery after taking it." A warning label on a common allergy medication.
- "The warm afternoon sun and the gentle humming of the bees made everyone feel incredibly drowsy." Describing a warm afternoon in a garden.
Memory hook
Think of a heavy 'drow' (like a drooping branch) bending down under the weight of 'Z's (drow-Z). Drowsy makes your eyelids droop.
When not to use
Do not use 'drowsy' to describe deep, unconscious sleep; it only refers to the transitional state of sleepiness.
Fun facts
- In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', the character Sebastian uses the word to describe a sudden, mysterious urge to sleep: 'Please you, sir, / Do not omit the heavy offer of it: / It seldom visits sorrow; when it doth, / It is a comforter.' to which Antonio replies, 'We two, my lord, / Will guard your person while you take your rest, / And watch your safety.' as they feel the drowsy air.
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