Bleary is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is still an important word to know. It is often used to describe a person’s eyes or vision, but it can also be used to describe a feeling or state of mind. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bleary, as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
The word bleary is an adjective that describes something that is blurred or dimmed, especially when it comes to vision. It can also be used to describe a person’s eyes when they are tired or strained, causing them to appear swollen or bloodshot. In some cases, it can also be used to describe a person’s mental state when they are feeling confused or disoriented.
Origin
The origin of the word bleary can be traced back to the Old English word blere, which means to dim or blur. Over time, this word evolved into the Middle English word blery, which eventually became the modern-day word bleary.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word bleary means “affected by or as if by dimness of sight; blurred, indistinct, or hazy.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “dull or dimmed by or as if by tears,” while Dictionary.com describes it as “blurred or dimmed, as from sleep or weariness.”
Associations
The word bleary is often associated with tiredness or fatigue, as it is commonly used to describe a person’s eyes when they are strained or bloodshot. It can also be associated with confusion or disorientation, as it can be used to describe a person’s mental state when they are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bleary include blurry, foggy, hazy, dim, and indistinct. Other related words include tired, fatigued, and exhausted.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bleary include clear, sharp, focused, and alert. These words are often used to describe a person’s vision or mental state when they are feeling refreshed and energized.
The same root words
The word bleary shares its root word with other words that describe dimness or blurriness, such as bleary-eyed, bleared, and blear.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word bleary:
- After staying up all night studying, Sarah’s eyes were bleary and bloodshot.
- The fog was so thick that it made everything look bleary and indistinct.
- Tom’s mind was bleary from all the stress and anxiety he had been feeling lately.
- The old photograph was bleary and faded, making it difficult to see the details.
- The long flight left me feeling bleary and disoriented when I arrived at my destination.