Somnolence (en. Drowsiness)

[sɔm.nɔ.lɑ̃s]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A slight drowsiness that signals the onset of sleep.
After a hearty meal, drowsiness sets in.
Après un copieux repas, la somnolence s'installe.
A state of fatigue making it difficult to maintain wakefulness.
He struggles against drowsiness during long classes.
Il lutte contre la somnolence durant les cours longs.
A tendency to fall asleep or to have difficulty staying alert.
Drowsiness is common after a sleepless night.
La somnolence est fréquente après une nuit blanche.

Etymology

From Latin 'somnolentia', derived from 'somnolent' which means sleepy.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to fall asleep from fatigue
To fall into sleep due to great fatigue.
s'endormir de fatigue
to have drooping eyes
To be very tired to the point of being unable to keep one's eyes open.
avoir les yeux qui se ferment
to fight against sleep
To try to stay awake in the face of fatigue.
lutter contre le sommeil

Related Words

sleep
A natural and periodic state of rest for the body and mind.
sommeil
fatigue
A state of great physical or mental weariness.
fatigue
exhaustion
A state of a person who has no more energy.
épuisement

Slang Meanings

To be knocked out.
After a long day, I am knocked out from drowsiness!
Après une longue journée, je suis K.O. de somnolence!
To have one's head in the fog.
After lunch break, my head is in the fog because of my drowsiness.
Après la pause déjeuner, j'ai la tête dans le brouillard à cause de ma somnolence.