woke

/woʊk/
adjectiveIntermediate
informal

aware of and actively opposed to social injustice, particularly racial and gender discrimination

The company's new policies show they're trying to be more woke.

The company's new policies demonstrate an effort to address social injustices.

💡

Originally derived from the past tense of 'wake up,' it has evolved to describe heightened social awareness.

informal

used pejoratively to describe someone as overly sensitive or politically correct about social issues

Some critics accuse activists of being too woke.

Some critics argue that activists are overly sensitive or politically correct.

💡

The term can be used both positively and negatively depending on the speaker's perspective.

Collocations

woke culturea cultural movement emphasizing social justice and equalitywoke upbecame aware of social injustices

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

stay wokephrase
remain aware of social injustices

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The term 'woke' can be used both positively and negatively, so pay attention to the context.

Gold Rule

Avoid Misuse

Be cautious when using 'woke' in formal settings, as it can be polarizing.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the past tense of 'wake up,' popularized in the 2010s to describe heightened social awareness.

📝Usage Notes

The term is often used in discussions about social justice, activism, and political correctness. Its meaning can vary depending on the context and the speaker's perspective.

Word Breakdown

woke
past tense of 'wake up,' metaphorically meaning to become aware
root
English Dictionary