somnolent
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “somnolent” mean?
adjective.sleepy; drowsy.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to sleep, relaxation, or lethargy, such as descriptions of environments, characters, or atmospheres that induce a sense of calm or fatigue. It emphasizes a profound state of drowsiness, distinguishing itself from similar words like "drowsy," which may imply a milder level of tiredness without the same connotation of heaviness or inertia.
Common Confusions
Somnolent implies a deep, heavy sleepiness, while drowsy usually suggests a lighter, more transient feeling of tiredness.
Do not choose somnolent if the context emphasizes alertness or energy rather than sleepiness or drowsiness.
Example Sentences
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The somnolent audience struggled to stay awake through the lecture.