slumber

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "slumber" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a deep, relaxed sleep. For example, "After a long day of work, I drifted off into a deep slumber."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Easyjet (easyjet.com) flies Gatwick-Chania until the end of October from £197 return October high: 23C While the rest of the Med slips into an off-season slumber, Ibiza goes out with a bang.

The Guardian - Travel

Maybe Chad Wingard will finally wake from his month-long slumber and take the kind of screamer that finishes Dwayne Russell off for good.

The Guardian - Sport

However, Fremantle's midfield woke from their brief slumber to secure the victory with a brutal onslaught.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not the same as waking at seven or eight, your alarm clock tearing you from your slumber, and stumbling into a day when you are moving forward, constantly, doing doing doing.

The Guardian

But the first major jolt that woke London from its slumber came on 2 September, when a YouGov/Times poll found that the no side's apparently impregnable lead had shrunk from 14 points to six in under a month.

The Guardian

But if METI's plan succeeds, expect much of corporate Japan to try to ignore the fiduciary bits, swallow the poison pill and drift back into a pleasant slumber.

The Economist

OVER the next few weeks billions of cicada grubs will awake from 17 years of subterranean slumber and emerge into the bright sunshine of America's mid-Atlantic states.

The Economist

Unlike national teams, clubs would be free to compete for players, and so would bid up their salaries.In this section A bundle of trouble After the slumber Pro-active Hardball from the Fund Neither buyer nor seller be Pull up the drawbridge The trouble starts at home 'Owzat?

The Economist

Once we wrestled with the angel when we read; now we ask only to slumber in his arms".

The Economist

Its few rich and its throngs of poor live in starkly different worlds, and endured a century of wars and shifting ideologies before the enforced 30-year slumber of Hosni Mubarak's rule.

The Economist

AFTER nearly a month of slumber, Paris is stirring again as tanned ministers return to work from the summer break.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slumber" to evoke a sense of peaceful and gentle sleep, or to describe a period of inactivity or dormancy. It is more evocative than simply saying "sleep".

Common error

Avoid using "slumber" excessively in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler words like "sleep" or "nap" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slumber" is to act as both a noun, denoting a state of sleep, and an intransitive verb, signifying the act of sleeping. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a word usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Slumber" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to describe a state of sleep or inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and common in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can add a touch of elegance to your writing, it's best to avoid overusing "slumber" in casual settings, where simpler alternatives like "sleep" or "nap" are more appropriate. The related phrases, such as "doze" and "dormancy", offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Remember to consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "slumber" and its alternatives. Ultimately, mastering the use of "slumber" can enrich your vocabulary and enhance the expressiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sleep

A basic and direct synonym for "slumber".

doze

Suggests a light sleep or nap.

nap

Implies a short period of sleep, usually during the day.

rest

Refers to a period of inactivity to regain strength.

siesta

Specifically refers to an afternoon nap.

dormancy

Highlights a state of inactivity or suspended development.

quiescence

Implies a state of stillness or inactivity.

hibernation

Refers to a state of inactivity during winter.

lethargy

Indicates a state of sluggishness or apathy.

torpor

Suggests a state of inactivity with reduced physical and mental activity.

FAQs

How can I use "slumber" in a sentence?

"Slumber" can be used as a noun to describe a state of sleep, as in "He fell into a deep slumber". It can also be used as a verb, meaning to sleep, as in "The city slumbered peacefully".

What can I say instead of "slumber"?

You can use alternatives like "sleep", "rest", "doze", or "nap" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slumber" or "sleep"?

Both "slumber" and "sleep" are correct. "Slumber" is generally considered more formal and literary, while "sleep" is more common and versatile. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "slumber" and "hibernation"?

"Slumber" generally refers to a normal state of sleep or inactivity. "Hibernation", on the other hand, is a specific state of dormancy that some animals enter during winter to conserve energy.