awakings
|a-wa-ken-ings|
/əˈweɪkənɪŋz/
(awakening)
becoming awake or becoming aware
Etymology
'awakening' ultimately comes from the verb 'awaken' (formed from 'awake' + the causative/verb-forming suffix '-en'). 'Awake' traces to Old English 'awacan'/'onwacan' meaning 'to wake, arise'.
'awake' in Old English ('awacan', 'onwacan') developed into Middle English forms ('awaken') and later the verb 'awaken' produced the noun/gerund 'awakening' in Early Modern English, giving the modern form 'awakening'.
Initially it meant 'to wake up or cause to wake'; over time it broadened to include 'becoming aware' or 'a revival of feeling or interest', which is common in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of waking from sleep.
His frequent awakenings during the night left him exhausted the next day.
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Noun 2
a moment or period of becoming aware of something previously unknown or unrecognized (a realization or increase in awareness).
The political awakenings of the decade changed many people's priorities.
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Noun 3
a revival or renewed interest/emotion (e.g., spiritual, sexual, cultural).
Her travels led to several emotional awakenings that reshaped her life.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 05:31