Woke Up

"Woke up" is the past tense of the phrasal verb "wake up," meaning to cease sleeping and become conscious. It describes the action of transitioning from a state of sleep to a state of wakefulness. This transition can be gradual or abrupt, and the experience can vary greatly from person to person.

The phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature to describe the beginning of a new day or a return to consciousness after a period of sleep or unconsciousness. The context often provides further information about the time, place, and circumstances surrounding the act of waking up.

Beyond its literal meaning, "woke up" can also be used figuratively to describe a sudden realization or understanding of something previously unknown or overlooked. This usage implies a transition from a state of ignorance or unawareness to a state of awareness or enlightenment.

For example: "I woke up with a start" (literal); "I woke up to the reality of the situation" (figurative).