ENGLISH
REFERENCE

awakening

n. · adj.
US //əˈweɪkənɪŋ// UK //ɐwˈeɪknɪŋ// awak·en·ing
  1. 1 waking from sleep (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of waking up after being asleep.

    the act of ceasing to sleep and returning to a state of consciousness.

    Example

    His sudden awakening was caused by a loud noise in the street.

    Example

    The patient experienced a gradual awakening from the anaesthetic, initially appearing confused by the hospital surroundings before regaining full orientation.
    • falling asleep
  2. 2 becoming aware (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a moment when you suddenly understand or notice something important.

    the process of becoming aware of a situation, fact, or emotion; a sudden realization.

    Example

    The trip to the mountains was a spiritual awakening for her.

    Example

    The documentary served as a rude awakening for many viewers who had previously ignored the environmental impact of their consumption habits.
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  1. 3 religious revival (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    a time when many people become very interested in religion again.

    a renewal of interest in or attention to religious faith within a community.

    Example

    The town experienced a great religious awakening in the nineteenth century.

    Example

    Historians often debate the social catalysts that triggered the Great Awakening and its subsequent influence on colonial American identity.
  2. 4 rousing or exciting (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    starting to wake up or becoming active.

    coming into a state of awareness or activity; rousing from a dormant state.

    Example

    She watched the awakening city from her balcony as the sun rose.

    Example

    The awakening instincts of the young predator were evident as it began to stalk the smaller creatures in the tall grass.
Origin

From awaken + -ing.

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