Awake vs. Awaken — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 11, 2024
"Awake" is often used as an adjective to describe a state of not being asleep, while "awaken" is a verb that describes the act of coming out of sleep.
Difference Between Awake and Awaken
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Awake" serves primarily as an adjective, indicating that someone is not asleep and is conscious. For example, one might say, "I was awake all night." It can also function as a verb in some contexts, meaning to stop sleeping, but this usage is less common. On the other hand, "awaken" is a verb that focuses on the transition from sleeping to waking. It implies an action or process, such as in the sentence, "The loud noise awakened me."
When "awake" is used as a verb, it tends to have a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to "awaken." For instance, "He awoke from his deep slumber" might appear in written narratives. "Awaken," however, is more frequently used in everyday language and can also imply a metaphorical sense of becoming aware, not just waking from sleep, as in "She was awakened to the realities of life."
The choice between "awake" and "awaken" can also depend on the aspect of time one wishes to emphasize. "Awake" as an adjective focuses on the state of being conscious, whereas "awaken" as a verb emphasizes the process or action of coming to wakefulness. Additionally, "awaken" can suggest a more gradual or gentle process compared to the instant state implied by "awake."
Both "awake" and "awaken" can be used in poetic or figurative language to describe becoming aware of something beyond just waking from sleep, such as an awareness or realization. However, "awaken" might be preferred for its dynamic, verb form, suggesting an active or transformative experience.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective (primarily), verb (secondarily)
Verb
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Definition
Being in a state of wakefulness; not asleep.
The act of coming out of sleep.
Usage Context
Describes a state; can be used more formally as a verb.
Focuses on the transition from sleep; often used in everyday language.
Time Emphasis
Focuses on the state of being conscious.
Emphasizes the process of becoming awake.
Figurative Use
Can denote alertness or awareness.
Often used to imply a gradual or enlightening realization.
Compare with Definitions
Awake
Not asleep such as fully conscious.
She lay awake, pondering her decision.
Awaken
To rouse from sleep.
The alarm clock awakened me early.
Awake
(Verb) To stop sleeping.
I usually awake at the crack of dawn. (More formal)
Awaken
To stir up; to excite.
The speech awakened a passion for change.
Awake
Alert to; aware of.
He was awake to the dangers of the journey.
Awaken
To become aware or conscious of something.
The trip awakened in him a love for nature.
Awake
(Verb) To become conscious or aware of something.
She awoke to a sense of injustice. (Literary)
Awaken
To bring into action.
The crisis awakened their fighting spirit.
Awake
Vigilant; on guard.
The guards remained awake through the night.
Awaken
To cause to start.
The event awakened a series of reactions.
Awake
To rouse from sleep; waken
"It was almost dark when the sound of crickets awoke her" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Awaken
Rouse from sleep; cause to stop sleeping
Anna was awakened by the telephone
Awake
To make aware of
The report awoke him to the possibilities of a compromise.
Awaken
To wake up
I awakened at 6:00 AM.
Awake
To stir up (memories, for example).
Awaken
To become aware of something
He finally awakened to the fact that he was wrong.
Awake
To wake up.
Awaken
To cause to wake up
A barking dog awakened me during the night.
Awake
To become alert.
Awaken
To cause (someone) to become aware; alert or enlighten
The news awakened her to the truth.
Awake
To become aware or cognizant
"Web publishers have awaked to the idea that they need to offer not only material appealing to children, but a little supervision as well" (Laurie J. Flynn). See Usage Note at wake1.
Awaken
To stir up or produce (a memory or feeling, for example)
Her new job awakened in her a sense of responsibility. See Usage Note at wake1.
Awake
Completely conscious; not in a state of sleep.
Awaken
(transitive) To cause to become awake.
She awakened him by ringing the bell.
Awake
Fully alert; attuned.
Awaken
(intransitive) To stop sleeping; awake.
Each morning he awakens with a smile on his face.
Awake
Not asleep; conscious.
Awaken
To bring into action (something previously dormant); to stimulate.
Awaken your entrepreneurial spirit!
We hope to awaken your interest in our programme.
Awake
Alert, aware.
They were awake to the possibility of a decline in sales.
Awaken
(theology) To call to a sense of sin.
Awake
(intransitive) To become conscious after having slept.
Awaken
(rare) awake
Awake
(transitive) To cause (somebody) to stop sleeping.
Put to sleep
Awaken
To cause to become aware.
Awake
(transitive) To make aware of something.
Awaken
To become aware.
I suddenly awoke to the possibilities of the new invention.
Awake
(transitive) To excite or to stir up something latent.
Awaken
To rouse from sleep or torpor; to awake; to wake.
[He] is dispatchedAlready to awaken whom thou nam'st.
Their consciences are thoroughly awakened.
Awake
To rouse from a state of inaction or dormancy.
Awaken
Cause to become awake or conscious;
He was roused by the drunken men in the street
Please wake me at 6 AM.
Awake
To come out of a state of inaction or dormancy.
Awaken
Stop sleeping;
She woke up to the sound of the alarm clock
Awake
To rouse from sleep; to wake; to awaken.
Where morning's earliest ray . . . awake her.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us; we perish.
Awaken
Make aware;
They were awakened to the sad facts
Awake
Not sleeping or lethargic; roused from sleep; in a state of vigilance or action.
Before whom awake I stood.
She still beheld,Now wide awake, the vision of her sleep.
He was awake to the danger.
Awake
Stop sleeping;
She woke up to the sound of the alarm clock
Awake
Not in a state of sleep; completely conscious;
Lay awake thinking about his new job
Still not fully awake
Awake
Not unconscious; especially having become conscious;
The patient is now awake and alert
Awake
(usually followed by `to') showing acute awareness; mentally perceptive;
Alert to the problems
Alive to what is going on
Awake to the dangers of her situation
Was now awake to the reality of his predicament
Common Curiosities
Is "awaken" always a gradual process?
"Awaken" often implies a more gradual or gentle transition from sleep, but it can also be used to describe a sudden waking due to external stimuli.
Can "awaken" imply more than just waking from sleep?
Yes, "awaken" can imply a metaphorical awakening, such as becoming aware of new ideas, feelings, or realities.
How does the usage of "awake" differ as a verb?
As a verb, "awake" tends to have a slightly more formal tone and is often used in literary or narrative contexts.
Which is more commonly used, "awake" or "awaken"?
"Awake" as an adjective is commonly used to describe the state of not being asleep, while "awaken" is widely used as a verb to describe the act of coming out of sleep.
Are there any specific contexts where "awake" is preferred over "awaken"?
"Awake" is often preferred when emphasizing the state of being conscious, especially when used as an adjective.
Can "awake" and "awaken" be used interchangeably?
While they can be similar in meaning, especially when "awake" is used as a verb, their nuances and contexts of use can make them not always interchangeable.
Is "awake" always used as an adjective?
"Awake" is primarily used as an adjective, but it can also function as a verb, particularly in more formal or literary contexts.
Can both "awake" and "awaken" be used figuratively?
Yes, both can be used figuratively to describe becoming aware or enlightened about something beyond literal sleep.
How does "awaken" contribute to a narrative?
"Awaken" can add dynamism to a narrative by emphasizing the action or process of becoming awake or aware, often carrying a sense of revelation or transformation.
Do "awake" and "awaken" have different connotations in poetry?
In poetry, both terms can be used for their literal and figurative meanings, but "awaken" might be chosen for its verb form to convey action or transformation, while "awake" could be used to describe a state of awareness or enlightenment.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
