somnolent

UK: ˈsɒmnələnt | US: ˈsɑːmnələnt

Definition

  1. adj. sleepy or drowsy

  2. adj. inducing sleepiness (e.g., a somnolent atmosphere)

Structure
somn <sleep (from Latin *somnus*)>ol <relating to (Latin *-olentus*, suffix indicating tendency)>ent <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word somnolent traces back to Latin somnus (sleep) combined with the suffix -olentus, meaning "full of" or "tending to." The morpheme somn appears in related English words like insomnia (lack of sleep) and somnambulate (to sleepwalk). The suffix -ent transforms it into an adjective, creating a vivid descriptor for sleepiness or sleep-inducing qualities. The logical progression reflects Latin's influence on medical and descriptive vocabulary in English.

Examples

  1. The lecture’s monotone delivery left the audience somnolent.

  2. The somnolent effect of the warm room made it hard to focus.

  3. Her somnolent eyes betrayed how little sleep she’d gotten.

  4. The medication’s side effects included a somnolent state.

  5. The somnolent hum of the fan lulled him to sleep.