awake

word

/əˈweɪk/
uh-WAYK
/ɐwˈeɪk/
uh-WAYK

Definition

Not sleeping; conscious and aware. It can also be used as a verb meaning to wake up or cause someone to wake up, though the adjective use is more common in everyday English.

Usage & Nuances

As an adjective, 'awake' is common after linking verbs: 'be awake', 'stay awake', 'keep someone awake'. For the verb, 'wake up' is much more common in conversation than 'awake'. Don't confuse 'awake' with 'woke': 'woke' often refers to social awareness, not sleep.

Example Sentences

The baby is awake now.

basic

I was awake at 5 a.m.

basic

Are you still awake, or did I text too late?

natural

The loud music kept me awake.

basic

I drank so much coffee that I was awake all night.

natural

I was barely awake during the meeting.

natural