May 23, 2011
- vigilant (adjective)
- \VIJ-uh-lunt\
- What does it mean?
- : alert to signs of danger
- How do you use it?
- Even though Dan may fall asleep while camping outdoors, he knows that his vigilant dog, Sheba, will bark at the first sign of danger.
- Are you a word wiz?
Which one of these words do you think you should keep an eye on as a synonym of "vigilant"?
Congratulations if D grabbed your attention. "Vigilant," "alert," and "watchful" all mean being on the lookout, especially for danger or opportunity. "Watchful" is the most general term (as in "the watchful eye of the boss"). "Vigilant" suggests intense, nonstop watchfulness (as in "they were vigilant in the protection of their rights"), while "alert" stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity (as in "alert investors who follow the trends in the stock market"). "Wide-awake," another synonym, applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than to dangers (as in "wide-awake companies supporting new technology").
