awakening

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'awakening' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a verb when referring to the act of consciousness or awareness, such as when one wakes up after sleeping. For example, "The birdsong was a gentle awakening for Bob as he opened his eyes to the sun streaming through his window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ralph Rugoff, the director of the Hayward and curator of the exhibition, says the show will be "mind-boggling" and promised – or perhaps warned – prospective overnighters: "On awakening they may find that the Hayward will never look the same again".

The Guardian - Arts

In Algeria the daily newspaper, Liberté, made the point that, in her arrogance, Michèle Alliot-Marie "has apparently no fear of awakening the memories of peoples who have already known historically the military savoir-faire of France".

The Guardian

That means it may have been close enough for the sub's crew to have been knocked unconscious by the explosion – long enough that they may have died before awakening.

The Guardian

Their awakening brought instant reward.

The Guardian - Sport

For young people, brought up in a world of on-demand consumerism, it seemed a moment of awakening: a week in which freedoms once taken for granted were shattered then reaffirmed.

The Economist

That in turn pushes up the dollar.In this section Green and back Paying for certainty Value meal A new hope Brewed awakening Seconds out Ad scientists ReprintsThe deeper cause of the dollar rally is the relative health of America's economy.

The Economist

They are awakening to a world in which their planet, though still the biggest in the Canadian firmament, is being eclipsed.

The Economist

The opposition People's Party, which he will face at a general election next spring, accuses him of violating the spirit of the democratic transition and awakening the ghosts of Spain's bloody past.

The Economist

At a recent convention of Californian Young Republicans in Berkeley (entitled "behind enemy lines"), several hundred enthusiasts marked the 34th anniversary of the People's Park riots by descending on the park to mount a noisy display of patriotism (awakening the local homeless from their mid-day naps in the process).

The Economist

For him song meant movement, refreshment, life, awakening, often in the face of stodgy teaching and "doughy", "dusty" orchestras.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That seems to have continued.A recent re-awakening of the market for the initial public offerings (IPOs) of shares in new companies ie, their flotation on a stockmarket has also breathed new life into venture capital, as has a new enthusiasm for mergers and acquisitions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awakening" to signify a renewed interest, awareness, or activity in a particular area. It can be applied to personal growth, societal shifts, or even market trends.

Common error

Avoid using "awakening" in scenarios where a simpler term like "waking up" or "becoming aware" suffices. Overusing it can lead to dramatic or overly formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "awakening" is as a noun, often denoting the start of awareness, consciousness, or renewed interest. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, such as political movements and personal realizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awakening" is frequently used as a noun to signify the commencement of awareness, consciousness, or a renewed interest. As confirmed by Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its use spans various contexts, from personal revelations to political movements, with a generally neutral to formal register. The term is common across news and media sources, indicating its broad acceptance and understanding. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "coming to awareness", "revival", or "resurgence" to align with the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to awareness

Emphasizes the process of becoming conscious or aware of something.

gaining consciousness

Focuses on the act of becoming conscious after a period of unconsciousness.

revival

Highlights a renewed interest or activity after a period of decline.

resurgence

Suggests a return to prominence or activity.

spiritual enlightenment

Specifically refers to a profound understanding or realization of spiritual truths.

intellectual stimulation

Highlights the stimulation of thought and understanding.

the dawn of understanding

Uses metaphorical language to describe the beginning of comprehension.

a rude shock

Focuses on a sudden and unpleasant realization.

the genesis of an idea

Refers to the origin or beginning of a new concept.

onset of awareness

Indicates the start or beginning of being aware of something.

FAQs

How can I use "awakening" in a sentence?

"Awakening" can be used to describe a sudden realization, a spiritual experience, or a renewed interest in something. For example, "The environmental crisis led to an awakening of ecological awareness."

What can I say instead of "awakening"?

You can use alternatives like "coming to awareness", "revival", or "resurgence" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "awakening" to describe a political movement?

Yes, "awakening" is often used to describe the beginning or resurgence of political or social movements, such as "The Arab Spring was seen as a political awakening in the Middle East".

What's the difference between "awakening" and "enlightenment"?

"Awakening" generally refers to becoming aware or conscious of something, while "enlightenment" typically implies a deeper, more profound understanding or realization, often in a spiritual or philosophical context.