vigilant
/ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/
alert and watchful
The security guard remained vigilant throughout the night.
The guard stayed alert and watchful to ensure safety.
general
Being very careful and watchful to avoid danger or mistakes.
Parents must be vigilant about their children's online activities.
Parents need to be very careful and watchful about what their children do online.
Often used in contexts where caution is necessary, such as security, health, or parenting.
Collocations
remain vigilantto stay alert and watchfulbe vigilant aboutto be careful and watchful regarding something
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'vigilant' when describing someone who is actively paying attention to avoid problems.
Gold Rule
Formal Context
'Vigilant' is more formal than 'watchful' or 'alert' and is often used in official or serious situations.
Word Origin
From Latin 'vigilantem', meaning 'watchful', from 'vigil' (watchful).
Usage Notes
Often used in formal or serious contexts where caution is important.
Word Breakdown
vigil
watchful
root-ant
performing the action
suffixEnglish Dictionary