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vigilant

vigilant

66 6.0
A person who keeps careful watch for danger or problems
  • adjective
  • /ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/
translation icon : alerta
  • The only constant is change and we have to be alert and vigilant and keep growing.
  • remain vigilant
  • need to be vigilant
  • become vigilant

Unless you kept constantly vigilant for them, they kept trying to sneak in.

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Examples

  • Now more than ever, with winter ahead, we must all remain vigilant and get this virus under control.

  • We must remain vigilant and we must prepare to be attacked.

  • So stay safe, stay vigilant and be kind to each other and to yourselves.

  • The teacher was instructed to be vigilant of the student's behavioral performance throughout the session.

    Academic text (2012)
  • All I'm saying is that as foreigners, we need to be extra vigilant, okay?

  • For now, the Bainblade's crew keeps a vigilant eye on all approaches to the Plaza.

  • As the dust settles, we remain vigilant and unconvinced that the coast is clear.

  • To ensure public safety, we must remain vigilant against any potential threats.

  • The security staff was vigilant in monitoring the entrance for suspicious activity.

  • Parents should be vigilant when their children are playing near busy streets.

Synonyms

cautious
vsvigilant
210 2.9

Careful to avoid risk or mistakes

is more about active watching for danger than careful action to avoid it
wary
vsvigilant
110 3.6

Careful because you do not trust someone or something

focuses on general alert attention for danger not driven by mistrust
attentive
vsvigilant
61 3.0

Paying close attention and caring about someone's needs

is specifically about watching for danger and problems not general care
mindful
vsvigilant
57 4.0

Aware of something and paying careful attention

involves alert guarding against danger rather than general awareness
watchful
vsvigilant
37 3.2

Being careful and ready to notice danger or problems

is a broader term for careful alertness rather than only observing details
observant
vsvigilant
35 3.9

Quick to notice small details and things around you

focuses on watching for danger and potential problems rather than detail spotting
on guard
vsvigilant
27 3.5

Alert and ready to act if danger or problems appear

describes the general habit of careful attention rather than immediate readiness
on your guard
vsvigilant
6 4.4

Ready and alert to notice danger or problems

is the continuous quality of careful attention rather than momentary preparation
hypervigilant
vsvigilant
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Very alert and watchful because of fear or past harm

means careful attention without the extreme anxiety or stress cause
open-eyed
vsvigilant
1 5.2

Aware of possible danger or change

focuses on guarding against danger specifically rather than general noticing
wakeful
vsvigilant
1 5.3

Being alert and watching for danger

describes general careful watching without the emphasis on cautious feeling
on (one's) guard
vsvigilant
4.6

Ready and careful about possible danger or problems

describes the steady practice of careful attention rather than only a warning
on one's guard
vsvigilant
4.7

Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems

focuses on general attention rather than deliberate caution to avoid risk
on the qui vive
vsvigilant
  • Formal
9.9

Someone who is ready and watchful for danger or problems

is the everyday word for that same careful alertness
argus-eyed
vsvigilant
  • Literature
9.9

Watchful and careful to notice danger or mistakes

is normal careful attention rather than extreme scrutiny
surveillant
vsvigilant
8.3

Watching people or activity to make sure rules are followed

is the personal habit of alert attention not an assigned monitoring role
advertent
vsvigilant
9.0

To pay careful attention to what is happening

is about alert attention for danger rather than mere focused thinking

Antonyms

175 2.9

Not knowing that something is happening or true

58 5.3

Not taking proper care and causing harm or risk

How Vigilant

hypervigilant
  • Specialized
1 8.6
vigilant
66 6.0
watchful
37 3.2
attentive
61 3.0

Surface Forms

vigilant positive

Morphology

vigilant = vigil (semi-transparent) = vigil + ant

The adjective is formed from the noun 'vigil' with the Latinate suffix '-ant'; the meaning 'watchful' follows logically but both elements are relatively formal/Latinate and may not be obvious to intermediate learners.

Etymology

The word vigilant comes from the Latin root vigil, which means 'awake' and also gave the English word vigil, a 'watch' often at night. So to be vigilant is to stay awake and watch for danger, which is why it means 'keeping careful watch'.