wide awake
Definition
Adjective: - Fully alert and not sleepy: "wide awake" describes a state of complete wakefulness, where one is fully conscious and unable or not inclined to sleep. - Keenly aware or vigilant: In a figurative sense, it means being alert, perceptive, or cautious about one's surroundings or situation.
Usage Examples
- (Fully alert and unable to sleep.)
- (Completely conscious and attentive.)
- (Figurative: keenly aware and cautious.)
Advanced Usage
"wide awake to [something]": fully aware of a particular fact or risk.
- Parents must be wide awake to the risks of online predators. (Vigilant and informed about a specific danger.)
"as wide awake as an owl": a simile used to emphasize extreme alertness.
- Despite the long journey, he was as wide awake as an owl. (Exceptionally alert.)
Variants and Related Words
Wide-awakeness (noun): the state of being fully alert.
- His wide-awakeness during the lecture impressed the professor. (Complete alertness.)
Wide-awake (adj, hyphenated): used attributively before a noun.
- A wide-awake audience listened intently. (An alert audience.)
Synonyms
- Alert: quick to notice and respond to things.
- Vigilant: keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
- Conscious: aware of and responding to one's surroundings.
Antonyms
- Asleep: in a state of sleep.
- Drowsy: sleepy or half-asleep.
- Unaware: lacking knowledge or consciousness of something.
Related Idioms
Wide awake and on the ball: fully alert and ready to act.
- The team was wide awake and on the ball during the crisis. (Completely prepared and responsive.)
Not a wink of sleep: used with "wide awake" to emphasize total sleeplessness.
- I lay wide awake all night, not a wink of sleep. (Completely unable to sleep.)