Vigilance
/ˈvɪdʒɪləns/
nounB2
Definition
Vigilance is the state of being alert and ready to notice any danger, problem, or important event. It means watching carefully and paying attention for a long time, often to keep safe or avoid mistakes.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
The quality of being watchful to avoid danger or problems
- •The security guard showed great vigilance during the night shift.
- •Drivers need vigilance to avoid accidents on busy roads.
- •Parents must keep vigilance when their children play near water.
Careful attention to details or changes
- •Scientists maintain vigilance for changes in the weather.
- •The company kept vigilance on market trends to stay competitive.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "vigilance" like "watching" but much stronger—it means watching carefully all the time, not just sometimes.
- ✓Picture a guard looking around carefully at night, noticing every small sound or movement.
- ✓It's the feeling you have when you are nervous but focused, like waiting for an important phone call.
- ✓Sounds like "vigilance" → imagine a "village lens" that helps you see everything clearly in your village to keep it safe.
- ✓In stories, heroes often show vigilance by watching for enemies or danger before it happens.
- ✓NOT like "carelessness" (not paying attention), vigilance means the opposite—full attention.
- ✓NOT like "watching TV" (passive), vigilance is active and focused attention.
- ✓NOT like "alert" (short moment), vigilance is continuous and steady watchfulness.
Try Other Words
- •Alertness: being quick to notice and respond (Use when focus is on quick reaction, not long-term watching)
- •Watchfulness: careful looking (Use when attention is less intense or less long-lasting)
- •Attention: focusing on something (Use in general contexts where strong care is not needed)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "vigil-" (from Latin meaning "awake, watchful") + "-ance" (a noun suffix meaning "state or quality")
- •Etymology: From Latin "vigilantia," meaning watchfulness or wakefulness
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe being awake and attentive, especially to danger
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in security, safety, and careful observation contexts to mean steady, careful watching
Reflect & Connect
•In what situations do you think vigilance is most important in daily life?
•How can practicing vigilance help prevent problems before they happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The guard’s vigilance helped ___ the building from theft during the night.
2.Drivers must keep vigilance ___ the road to avoid sudden accidents.
3.Vigilance is different from just watching because it requires ___ attention for a long time.
4.When children play near water, parents show vigilance to ___ any danger quickly.
5.Unlike a quick reaction, vigilance means staying ___ and ready all the time.
6.Scientists keep vigilance ___ small changes in the environment to predict storms.
7.If someone loses vigilance while working, they may ___ important details.