drowsy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'drowsy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who feels tired and ready to sleep. For example: "After a long day at work, I was feeling drowsy and ready for bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Department of Justice is looking for scalps – finally, after five years of drowsy hibernation – but some banks are whining about merely getting haircuts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sleep deprivation not only lowers productivity, but is also associated with accidents (a fifth of all vehicle accidents were linked to drowsy driving), and adverse health effects, such as heart disease and obesity.

The Economist

Software developed by Probayes, a firm based near Grenoble, in France, identifies and then steers clear of drivers who are angry, drowsy, tipsy or aggressive.

The Economist

IT IS the drowsy after-lunch slot in one of San Antonio's immigration courts, housed anonymously on the third floor of a squat brown office building, when the case of Pedro Rochas begins.

The Economist

The victims (some 12% of whom are male) become drowsy and weak-willed, and then black out, waking up with no memory of the event.

The Economist

The technology is also being used to alert drowsy drivers, diagnose brain trauma, train machine operators and provide surgeons with "a third hand" to control robotic equipment.

The Economist

Mansour dives into Meelya, her drowsy moans transforming "him into a swimmer in a sea".

The Economist

They have ventured into the drowsy glades of badly managed companies and they have stormed the citadels of multinationals.

The Economist

Do this, and you will have calm and drowsy nights, with all of the good business you have now and none of the bad.

The Economist

Sad were my thoughts that anchor'd silentlyOf the dead waters of that passionless seaUnstirr'd by any touch of living breath:Silence hung over it, and drowsy Death,Like a gorged seabird, slept with folded wingsOn crowded carcasses sad passive thingsThomas HoodOF ALL the blights afflicting the sea, carbon dioxide is just one.

The Economist

These are friendly nations with which Brazil has long enjoyed cordial if drowsy relations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that induces sleepiness, consider using "drowsy" to evoke a gentle, almost pleasant feeling of relaxation. For example, "a drowsy summer afternoon" suggests warmth and comfort.

Common error

Avoid using "drowsy" when you intend to convey a state of prolonged and severe tiredness. "Drowsy" implies a temporary state of sleepiness, whereas chronic fatigue suggests a more serious underlying condition.

Linguistic Context

The word "drowsy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of sleepiness or lethargy. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, such as "drowsy drivers" or "drowsy afternoon", indicating its descriptive capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

22%

Independent

10%

Less common in

The New Yorker

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "drowsy" accurately describes a state of sleepiness, suitable for various descriptive purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across different contexts. Its frequency is considered "Very common", and while versatile, it's important not to confuse its meaning with chronic fatigue. When writing, leverage "drowsy" to paint a vivid picture of gentle relaxation or approaching slumber. Consider related terms like "sleepy" or "lethargic" for nuanced meanings. Its use spans from describing "drowsy" drivers to a "drowsy" afternoon. Top sources include The Economist and the Independent, reinforcing its widespread recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sleepy

Refers directly to the state of being ready to fall asleep; more common and interchangeable.

dozy

Similar to "drowsy" but might imply a lighter state of sleepiness.

heavy-eyed

Describes the physical sensation of eyelids feeling weighted down by sleepiness.

lethargic

Emphasizes a lack of energy and enthusiasm, going beyond simple sleepiness.

sluggish

Focuses on slowed physical or mental processes, a consequence of sleepiness.

languid

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried state, often associated with pleasant sleepiness.

listless

Indicates a lack of interest and energy, bordering on apathy.

soporific

Describes something that induces sleepiness, rather than the state itself.

out of it

Informal expression for being mentally unclear, possibly due to sleepiness or other causes.

in a stupor

Implies a more severe state of reduced consciousness, beyond mere sleepiness.

FAQs

How can I use "drowsy" in a sentence?

You can use "drowsy" to describe a state of sleepiness or lethargy, for instance: "The medication made me feel "drowsy"", or "The warm weather created a "drowsy" atmosphere".

What are some alternatives to "drowsy"?

Instead of "drowsy", you could use "sleepy", "lethargic", or "dozy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am drowsy"?

Yes, "I am "drowsy"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that you are feeling sleepy or tired.

What is the difference between "drowsy" and "tired"?

"Tired" is a general term for feeling weary or fatigued, while ""drowsy"" specifically implies a feeling of sleepiness or a strong inclination to fall asleep.