The word "awaken" is spelled as /əˈweɪkən/. This word has a unique structure where "a" acts as a prefix and "waken" is the root word. This is also known as a prefix and a base. The vowel sound in the prefix "a" is pronounced as "uh." Meanwhile, the root word "waken" is pronounced as /ˈweɪkən/. In IPA phonetic transcription, the "a" sound is represented by /ə/ and the "w" sound is represented by /w/. The final "en" sound is pronounced as /ən/.
Awaken (verb) refers to the act of rousing or waking up from sleep or inactivity. It implies a transition from a state of sleep or unconsciousness to a state of consciousness and alertness. To awaken is to become aware of the surrounding environment and to regain the ability to perceive and comprehend things.
In a literal sense, awaken signifies the cessation of sleep and the restoration of bodily functions, resulting in a person becoming physically awake. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the process of becoming aware or coming to realize something on a deeper level. It encompasses awakening to new ideas, insights, or understanding, often leading to spiritual, emotional, or intellectual growth.
Awakening can occur spontaneously or by external stimulation such as alarms, noises, or someone physically rousing another person. It can also emphasize an internal process, such as when a person experiences a profound realization or epiphany. Awakening can be gradual or immediate, gentle or jarring, depending on the circumstances.
Moreover, awaken can extend beyond sleep to imply emergence from a dormant state or period of inactivity. For instance, one might awaken their creativity, passions, or ambitions after a long period of self-doubt or stagnation. It suggests a transformation or renewal, breathing life into something that was previously dormant or unnoticed.
Overall, awaken encapsulates the concepts of rising from slumber, becoming conscious, and having newfound awareness, whether it be physical, intellectual, emotional, or spiritual.
Same meaning as awake.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "awaken" originated from the Old English word "āwæcnan" which is a combination of two elements: "ā-" meaning "out" or "away" and "wæcnan" meaning "to wake up". Thus, the word "awaken" ultimately means to "wake up" or "become conscious".