narcoleptic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌnɑːr.kəˈlɛp.tɪk/
KK: /nɑrˈkoʊlɛptɪk/
adjective
Definition
Related to a condition that causes people to suddenly fall asleep during the day.
Example
He was diagnosed as narcoleptic after experiencing sudden sleep attacks.
Conversation
Have you heard about that new student in our class?
Yeah, I think they said he’s narcoleptic.
That’s kind of interesting, right?
Definitely! I wonder how that affects his daily life.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sleepy
drowsy
lethargic
Antonyms
alert
awake
vigilant
noun
Definition
A person who experiences sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day.
Example
The narcoleptic often struggles to stay awake during meetings.
Conversation
Did you hear about Jake? He’s been feeling really tired lately.
Yeah, I heard he might be a narcoleptic or something.
That’s rough! I can’t imagine falling asleep randomly like that.
Root Explanation
Narcoleptic → It is formed from "narco-" (from Greek "narkōsis", meaning numbness or sleep) and "leptic" (from Greek "lepsis", meaning seizure or attack). The word describes a condition characterized by sudden attacks of sleep or numbness.
Memory Tip
Think of 'numbness' ('narco-') and 'attacks' ('leptic') to remember that narcoleptic refers to someone who experiences sudden sleep attacks.
Visually Confused Words
sarcoptic
proleptic
analeptic