Verb
Noun
/weɪk/
The verb "wake" primarily means to emerge or cause to emerge from sleep; to become alert or to rouse someone from sleep. As a noun, "wake" refers to a gathering held for someone who has died, especially in the context of honoring the deceased before their funeral.
The verb form "wake" is commonly used in both spoken and written English. The noun form is less frequent than the verb but is still used in social contexts.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise.
Despierta temprano para ver el amanecer.
After the storm, the town began to wake from its slumber.
Después de la tormenta, el pueblo comenzó a despertar de su letargo.
We held a wake for my grandmother last Saturday.
Tuvimos un velorio para mi abuela el sábado pasado.
The word "wake" is featured in several idiomatic expressions, often conveying concepts of alertness, mortality, or change.
Don't wake a sleeping dog.
No despierte a un perro dormido.
(Meaning: Avoid stirring up problems that are better left alone.)
Wake up and smell the coffee!
¡Despierta y huele el café!
(Meaning: Realize the reality of a situation; stop being naive.)
In the wake of the scandal, many people lost their jobs.
A raíz del escándalo, muchas personas perdieron sus empleos.
(Meaning: Following an event, particularly a negative one.)
Like a phoenix rising from the wake of the flames.
Como un fénix que surge de las cenizas.
(Meaning: To emerge renewed or revitalized after a difficult experience.)
The word "wake" comes from Old English "wacan," which means "to become active or to be roused." The noun form referring to a vigil dates back to the 14th century, originating from the idea of keeping a vigil for the deceased.
Synonyms: - Rouse (verb) - Awaken (verb) - Vigil (noun when used as a gathering)
Antonyms: - Sleep (verb) - Slumber (verb) - Hibernation (noun when referring to prolonged inactivity)
This comprehensive exploration of the word "wake" showcases its multifaceted nature in the English language, ranging from its primary meanings to its various usages and idioms.