Word
vigilant
Meanings
Carefully watching and staying alert to notice danger or problems quickly.
Carefully checking and monitoring to prevent mistakes, fraud, or harm.
Definition
Vigilant means carefully watching for possible danger or problems.
If you are vigilant, you stay alert and pay close attention so you can notice something quickly. People are vigilant when they are guarding a place, monitoring a situation, or looking for risks and mistakes. It suggests steady watchfulness, not just a quick look.
Examples
- The vigilant guard noticed someone trying to slip in behind the group.
- Parents should be vigilant when children swim in deep water.
- We stayed vigilant for changes in the weather during the hike.
- The bank is vigilant about unusual account activity.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse vigilant with diligent; vigilant is about watchfulness for danger or problems, not just working hard.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.