Bleary-eyed is a common term that we often hear in our daily lives. It is a term used to describe the state of one’s eyes when they are tired, blurry, and unfocused. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, and associations of the term bleary-eyed.
Definitions
Bleary-eyed is an adjective used to describe someone whose eyes are red, swollen, and tired-looking. It is also used to describe someone who is sleepy or drowsy. The term is often used to describe someone who has been up late at night or has not had enough sleep.
Origin
The term bleary-eyed has its roots in the Old English word “blere,” which means “to dim or blur.” The word “blere” was later combined with “eye” to create the term “bleary-eyed.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term bleary-eyed is defined similarly across various dictionaries. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bleary-eyed means “having eyes that are tired and watery.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having eyes that are dull and blurred, especially from fatigue or lack of sleep.”
Associations
The term bleary-eyed is often associated with tiredness, fatigue, and lack of sleep. It is also associated with hangovers, allergies, and eye strain from prolonged computer use.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bleary-eyed include tired, fatigued, exhausted, sleepy, drowsy, and groggy.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for bleary-eyed include alert, awake, refreshed, and energetic.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as bleary-eyed include bleary, blur, and blear.
Example Sentences
- “After staying up all night studying, I woke up bleary-eyed and exhausted.”
- “The allergy medication made me feel better, but it left me bleary-eyed.”
- “I couldn’t focus on the screen anymore because my eyes were bleary from staring at it for too long.”
In conclusion, the term bleary-eyed is used to describe the state of one’s eyes when they are tired, blurry, and unfocused. It is often associated with tiredness, fatigue, and lack of sleep. The term has its roots in Old English and has been used for centuries to describe this state. By understanding the meaning and associations of bleary-eyed, we can better understand its use in everyday language.