adjective
somnolent
SAHM-nuh-lunt/ˈsɑːmnələnt/
Marked by drowsiness.
The somnolent man yawns in his armchair with a book resting loosely in his lap.
Etymology
Latin somnolentus describes someone inclined to sleep and derives from somnus, “sleep.” The English adjective also extends from being drowsy to making others feel drowsy.
In context
Ere the sun goes west, a dragon, being largely nocturnal, is somnolent;
More examples
- After lunch, the students grow somnolent in the warm classroom.
- A somnolent cat barely opens one eye as we pass.
- The patient remains somnolent but answers when spoken to.
Forms
somnolent
somnolence noun — The state of being sleepy or drowsy.
Similar words
- sleepy
- An everyday alternative for feeling ready to fall asleep.
- drowsy
- A less formal alternative emphasizing difficulty staying fully awake.