Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be in a state of light, half-asleep drowsiness; to be on the verge of sleeping. It describes a condition between being fully awake and fully asleep, often characterized by heavy eyelids and a lack of alertness.
   • To sleep lightly or for a short period of time. This refers to a brief, not deep, state of sleep.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To pass (time) in a drowsy or inactive state. This usage focuses on spending time in a sleepy, lethargic manner.

3. Noun (countable, usually singular):

   • A light, fitful sleep; a state of drowsiness. It refers to the condition or a short period of being drowsy.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (intransitive):

  • I began to drowse during the long, boring lecture.
  • The cat drowses in the warm patch of sunlight.

• Verb (transitive):

  • He drowsed away the hot afternoon on the porch swing.

• Noun:

  • She fell into a light drowse while waiting for the train.
  • The medication often leaves him in a constant drowse.

Advanced Usage

• "to drowse off": This is a common phrasal verb meaning to fall into a light sleep, often unintentionally.
  • He drowsed off in front of the television.

Variants and Related Words

• Drowsy (adjective): Feeling sleepy and lethargic.
  • The warm room made me feel drowsy.
• Drowsily (adverb): In a sleepy manner.
  • She answered drowsily.

Synonyms

• Doze: To sleep lightly.
• Nap: A short sleep.
• Snooze: A light, brief sleep.
• Slumber (literary): To sleep.

Antonyms

• Wake: To cease sleeping.
• Arouse: To awaken from sleep.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In a drowse: In a state of drowsiness.
  • He spent the morning in a drowse, unable to concentrate.

Noun

1. a light fitful sleep

Verb

1. be on the verge of sleeping
   • The students were drowsing in the 8 AM class
2. sleep lightly or for a short period of time