Definition

Not sleeping or unable to sleep; being alert and watchful.

Example

After drinking coffee late in the evening, I felt very wakeful and couldn't fall asleep.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I had such a hard time sleeping last night; I felt so wakeful all evening.

That's rough! Did you have a lot on your mind?

Yeah, I kept thinking about work and couldn't relax.

Maybe you should try some meditation before bed to help you feel less wakeful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wakeful → It is formed from "wake" (from Old English *wacan*, meaning to be awake or to arise) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "wakeful" means full of wakefulness or being alert and awake.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'full of' alertness — 'wake' means to be awake, and '-ful' means full of. This helps you remember that 'wakeful' describes someone who is alert and awake.

Visually Confused Words