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alert

alert

82 2.8
Quick to notice and respond to what is happening
  • adjective
  • /əˈlɜrt/
translation icon : alerta
  • Be aware, be alert, and always be prepared.
  • remain alert
  • stay alert
  • alert to danger

Just heads up, be alert, stay in your toes.

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Examples

  • Suddenly, they were very alert, and we could hear a lion calling from the distance.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The government wants them to do well at school and to be alert and receptive to what's being taught.

  • But trust me, you will want to remain alert.

  • Still, her eyes were alert.

  • The danger of skin cancer is small if you stay alert and catch it early.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Clinical instructors are always alert to situations that will give students opportunities for learning and professional growth.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Biologists trying to interpret animal adaptations are becoming increasingly alert to that same possibility.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Now, miss Moore, do you believe yourself to be mentally alert and capable of exercising your best judgment?

  • Put simply, when you get tired, your eyelids close, and when you're alert, your eyelids are open.

  • During the meeting, she remained alert to any changes in the discussion.

Synonyms

vigilant
vsalert
66 6.0

A person who keeps careful watch for danger or problems

is more about quick noticing and immediate response than long watch
quick
vsalert
61 3.2

Able to understand and answer fast

adds steady attention and willingness to respond, not only speed
responsive
vsalert
61 4.0

React quickly and helpfully to people and things

includes alertness to notice things as well as willingness to react
attentive
vsalert
61 3.0

Paying close attention and caring about someone's needs

focuses more on rapid noticing and immediate reaction rather than only care
watchful
vsalert
37 3.2

Being careful and ready to notice danger or problems

is more about quick response and mental readiness than steady guarding
on the ball
vsalert
  • Informal
9 5.6

Quick to notice and understand things

is more about quick noticing and mental readiness than general competence
argus-eyed
vsalert
  • Literature
9.9

Watchful and careful to notice danger or mistakes

is faster at noticing and responding, not just closely watching

Antonyms

1 5.9

You do not notice small details around you

6.9

Not paying attention to danger or what is happening

Not able to pay attention because your mind is on other things

Compounds

25 3.6

A time when people are extra ready and careful because of danger

red alert
  • Formal
24 4.7

A strong warning that serious danger is coming and people must act now

spoiler alert
  • Texting
7 3.9

A warning that someone will tell important story details

1 3.3

A national system that lets officials send emergency warnings on radio and television

5.5

A warning telling people to go to shelters because an enemy air attack may happen

air alert
  • Jargon
6.8

A military state where fighter jets stay ready to take off quickly to respond to a threat

4.4

An official warning about a disease spreading to many countries

A dog trained to notice signs of a seizure and warn or help the person

strip alert
  • Jargon
7.9

A state when planes and their crews are ready to take off immediately for defense

How Alert

hypervigilant
  • Specialized
1 8.6
vigilant
66 6.0
alert
82 2.8
attentive
61 3.0
aware
2.7

Surface Forms

alert positive

Etymology

Alert comes from the Italian phrase all'erta, meaning 'on the watch'. So if you are alert, you are watching carefully and ready to notice things.