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watchfully

watchfully

1 3.2
In a careful way while looking for danger or sudden movement
  • adverb
  • /ˈwɑːtʃfəlɪ/
translation icon : vigilantemente
  • She watched the surroundings watchfully, ready to react to any potential threat.
  • eyes watchfully

Examples

  • To a far greater extent than in the American milieux in which I customarily moved, I was watchfully self-aware of what I said in the Senior Room and the Hall of the College, and of how and when I said it.

    Academic text (1999)
  • He trailed after the stranger watchfully, following the passageway as it burrowed through the stone block walls past rows of cell doors identical to his own, all locked and barred.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • She lowered each ear watchfully into the rolling water, as if it would try to escape.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Meanwhile, he lurked watchfully, as if in ambush.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • ANGLE ON: FRODO carefully walks to the edge and looks down. FARAMIR eyes him watchfully.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • They slipped ahead swiftly, watchfully, without panic or fear.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • "Where's Calhoun?" He ambled toward her, his eyes watchfully scanning the room.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • I think it's also (and more fruitfully) about patiently and watchfully training our attention on where Christ might be manifested today.

    Blog text (3)
  • They were wise, but it wasn't the wisdom of an ancient tree or river; rather, they seemed to possess the reserve of a watchfully silent guest at a party.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • "Sensing the mother’s evasiveness, the little girl draws watchfully close, with an important sense of participation in family affairs.

    Fiction book (1997)

Synonyms

carefully
vswatchfully
978 1.0

In a way that shows attention and caution to avoid mistakes or harm

is observation aimed at noticing danger rather than general careful action
closely
vswatchfully
269 1.4

With careful attention to small details

is attention directed toward possible danger rather than close general study
warily
vswatchfully
16 4.3

To act carefully and watch for danger

is careful observation without strong personal fear or suspicion
attentively
vswatchfully
9 3.0

With care and strong focus on what you see or hear

is attention directed to possible danger rather than neutral concentration
guardedly
vswatchfully
3 6.5

In a careful way that avoids risk or saying too much

is focused on noticing danger rather than hiding or avoiding risk
vigilantly
vswatchfully
3 6.2

Carefully watching for danger or problems

is steady observation for possible danger rather than active searching
alertly
vswatchfully
1 3.2

In a quick and watchful way that notices and reacts to things

is sustained careful attention for possible danger rather than quick reaction
heedfully
vswatchfully
1 7.4

Carefully and with close attention

is attention aimed at detecting danger not just general careful regard
observantly
vswatchfully
4.9

In a careful way that notices small details

is aimed specifically at spotting danger or trouble rather than general detail

Antonyms

20 1.0

In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention

How Watchful

vigilantly
3 6.2
alertly
1 3.2
watchfully
1 3.2
attentively
9 3.0

Surface Forms

watchfully positive

Morphology

watchfully = watchful (transparent) = watch + ful + ly

Standard adverb formation from the adjective 'watchful' with the productive suffix '-ly', preserving the adjective's meaning.

Etymology

The word watchfully comes from watch meaning 'to look' plus the ending -ful meaning 'full of', with -ly turning it into an adverb. So, to act watchfully is to be 'full of watching', like a guard on duty paying close attention for danger.