Word
vigilant
Phoneticsvig·i·lant, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɪdʒəɫənt/
UK/vˈɪdʒɪlənt/
Españolvigilante
Definition
adj. staying very careful and alert to notice any signs of danger or trouble.
adj. maintaining careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; alert and circumspect.
Examples
“The security guard remains vigilant throughout the night.”
“Health officials urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms as the new virus began to spread through the community.”
“In an era of sophisticated digital threats, users must be increasingly vigilant about the links they click and the personal information they share on social media platforms.”
Examples
simple
“The security guard remains vigilant throughout the night.”
contextual
“Health officials urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms as the new virus began to spread through the community.”
complex
“In an era of sophisticated digital threats, users must be increasingly vigilant about the links they click and the personal information they share on social media platforms.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs such as 'remain', 'stay', or 'be'. Frequently paired with the preposition 'against' or 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“Health services will remain vigilant in the coming days, although there is a sense of calm, as citizens have acted responsibly and prudently.” “Indonesian authorities have urged people to avoid setting fires and to remain vigilant because the peak of the fire season is usually in September and October.” Etymology
From French vigilant or its source, Latin vigilans, present participle of vigilare (“stay awake”), from vigil (“awake”). Doublet of vigilante, from Spanish. Displaced Old English wacor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/vigilant
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0