Awaken Meaning and Definition
Awaken
Pronunciation
/ˈɔːkɪn/
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definition
A sensation or feeling of growing or increasing awareness and consciousness, often characterized by a sense of clarity, vividness, and insight.
Examples
- The lecture on spirituality helped me awaken to a new perspective on life.
- The morning sunlight slowly awakened the trees and animals in the forest.
Synonyms
- Illuminate
- Enlighten
- Trouble
Antonyms
- Sleep
- Stupor
Etymology
The word ‘Awaken’ originated from Old English ‘æwoken’, meaning “to come to consciousness”, derived from the Proto-Germanic ‘awakjiz’, and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘au-‘, meaning “to open”.
Usage Notes
The verb ‘Awaken’ is often used in metaphysical and spiritual contexts to describe the process of gaining insight or consciousness. It can also be used in a more literal sense, as in the awakening of animals, plants, or senses.
Cultural References
The concept of awakening has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, art, and film. Examples include ‘The Matrix’ trilogy, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and ‘The Catcher in the Rye’.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Awaken to the light”
- “Awaken to reality”
- “Awakened to the truth”
Related Words or Phrases
- Consciousness
- Insight
- Clarity
- Awareness
Collocations
- Awake to the world
- Awake to reality
- Awake to oneself
Frequency of Use
The word ‘Awaken’ is used relatively infrequently in everyday language, but it is commonly used in spiritual and philosophical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Aquake
- Aqautawn
- Awacken