Word
watchful
Phoneticswatch·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɑtʃfəɫ/
UK/wˈɒtʃfəl/
Definition
adj. paying close attention to what is happening around you. You do this to stay safe or to make sure nothing goes wrong.
adj. characterised by careful observation and alertness to potential danger or change. Often used to describe a state of protective or cautious monitoring.
Examples
“The mother kept a watchful eye on her children at the park.”
“Security guards remained watchful throughout the night to ensure no unauthorized person entered the building.”
“Under the watchful gaze of the international community, the two nations began the delicate process of negotiating a lasting peace treaty.”
Examples
simple
“The mother kept a watchful eye on her children at the park.”
contextual
“Security guards remained watchful throughout the night to ensure no unauthorized person entered the building.”
complex
“Under the watchful gaze of the international community, the two nations began the delicate process of negotiating a lasting peace treaty.”
Usage
Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'keep a watchful eye on'. Often follows linking verbs like 'remain', 'stay', or 'be'.
Real-World Examples
“Traders have also kept a watchful eye on U.S.” “We remain present and watchful to ensure those lanes stay clear,” he said.” “By the way, most animals don’t like effort.”
Eyeing the raisin box, peeping through a crack in the door – what a watchful parent Duckworth is.” Etymology
From Middle English waccheful, equivalent to watch + -ful. Compare West Frisian waaks (“watchful”), Dutch waaks, waakzaam (“watchful”), German wachsam (“watchful”), Swedish vaksam (“watchful”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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