different between asleep vs zzz

English

Etymology

From Middle English aslepe, equivalent to a- (“in, on”) +? sleep.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??sli?p/
• IPA: /??sli?p/
• Rhymes: -i?p
• Hyphenation: asleep

Adjective

asleep (comparative more asleep, superlative most asleep)

1. In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.

   I was asleep when you called.

   Never disturb a man asleep.

2. (slang) Inattentive.

   How could you miss that? Were you asleep?

3. (of a body part) Having a numb or prickling sensation accompanied by a degree of unresponsiveness.

   My arm fell asleep. You know, like pins and needles.
4. (euphemistic) dead

Usage notes

• Not used in attributive position. sleeping is used instead.

Synonyms

• dormant

Antonyms

• awake

Related terms

• asleep at the switch

Translations

See also

• pins and needles

Anagrams

• Sapele, elapse, please, sapele

English

Etymology

Supposed to represent the sound of snoring.

Pronunciation

• (as spelled) IPA^(key): /z?/
• (imitation of snoring) /?^?/

Interjection

zzz

1. A snoring sound, implying that somebody is asleep.

Translations

Verb

zzz (third-person singular simple present zzzs, present participle zzzing, simple past and past participle zzzed)

1. (onomatopoeia) To sleep or snore.

Related terms

• catch some z's
• zed
• z's or Z's
• zzzing
• zzzs

Portuguese

Interjection

zzz

1. zzz (sleeping)
2. (Internet slang) indicates that one doesn't care about or agree with what is being said

Romanian

Etymology

Onomatopoeic.

Interjection

zzz

1. buzz (sound made by some insects' flight)