What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
somnolence
Example
The medication caused somnolence as a side effect. [somnolence: noun]
Example
She struggled with somnolence during the day due to her insomnia at night. [somnolence: noun]
drowsiness
Example
He fought off drowsiness during the long meeting. [drowsiness: noun]
Example
The warm sun and gentle breeze made her feel drowsy. [drowsy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drowsiness is more commonly used than somnolence in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and situations. Somnolence, on the other hand, is a more specialized term that is used mainly in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between somnolence and drowsiness?
Somnolence is a more formal and technical term than drowsiness. It is often used in medical or scientific contexts, while drowsiness is more commonly used in everyday language and is suitable for both formal and informal situations.
