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sommeiller

to doze, to slumber

verb soh-meh-YEH Rare

Also means

to lie dormant

Usage Note

Sommeiller suggests a light, shallow sleep rather than deep slumber (for which dormir is used). Figuratively it describes something latent or inactive: un talent qui sommeille is a dormant talent. The related noun sommeil means sleep, and somme means a nap.

Examples

"Il sommeillait dans son fauteuil après le déjeuner."

Natural Translation

He was dozing in his armchair after lunch.

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