lie awake
Definition
Verb phrase: - To remain in a resting position (typically in bed) while being conscious and unable to sleep. It describes a state of wakefulness during the time one is trying or expected to be asleep.
Usage and Examples
This phrase is used to describe the experience of being unable to sleep while lying down, often due to worry, excitement, illness, or external disturbances.
- Example 1: After hearing the strange noise, she for hours, listening intently.
- Example 2: He every night, thinking about his upcoming exams.
- Example 3: I was so excited about the trip that I all night.
Advanced Usage
- "to lie awake at night (thinking/worrying about something)": This common collocation emphasizes the mental activity (anxiety, planning, rumination) that prevents sleep.
- He lies awake at night worrying about his family's future.
Variants and Related Words
- Sleepless (adj): Characterized by, or experiencing, a lack of sleep.
- She spent a sleepless night tossing and turning.
- Insomnia (n): The habitual inability to sleep.
- Chronic insomnia can affect your health.
Synonyms
- Stay awake: To continue to be awake.
- Toss and turn: To move restlessly in bed while trying to sleep.
Related Phrases
- Wide awake: Completely awake and alert.
- The loud thunder left me wide awake.
Verb
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lie without sleeping
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She was so worried, she lay awake all night long
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