A1verb1K

Wake

UK /["/weɪk/","/weɪks/","/wəʊk/","/ˈwəʊkən/","/ˈweɪkɪŋ/"]/US /["/weɪk/","/weɪks/","/wəʊk/","/ˈwəʊkən/","/ˈweɪkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to stop sleeping; to make somebody stop sleeping

In simple words: To stop sleeping and become awake.

Examples

  • I wake up early every morning.
  • She had to wake her brother for school.
  • The sound of the alarm will wake you.
  • They will wake up when the sun rises.
  • He tried to wake the baby gently.

Usage notes

Use 'wake' when someone stops sleeping. It's neutral, appropriate for most situations. Don't confuse it with 'woke', which has slang uses related to social awareness.

Grammar pattern

wake + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'wake' as a ceremony for the dead, which is the opposite of being awake.

Collocations

  • gently
  • be careful not to
  • not want to
  • try not to

Synonyms

  • awaken
  • arouse
  • stir
  • rouse
  • get up

Antonyms

  • sleep
  • doze
  • slumber

Common mistakes

  • Using 'waked' instead of 'woke' as the past tense.
  • Saying 'wake up' when just 'wake' is needed for some phrases.
  • Confusing 'wake' with 'awaken' in casual speech.