What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
awaken
Example
I usually awaken at 7 am every morning. [awaken: verb]
Example
The loud noise awakened me from my deep sleep. [awakened: past tense]
rouse
Example
She tried to rouse her brother from his nap. [rouse: verb]
Example
The motivational speech roused the crowd and filled them with energy. [roused: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awaken is more commonly used than rouse in everyday language, especially when referring to waking up from sleep. Rouse is less common but can be used in various contexts to describe awakening or arousing someone's attention or emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between awaken and rouse?
While awaken is generally considered more formal, rouse has a slightly informal tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.