Meaning & use
vigilantly
Last updated
UK/ˈvɪdʒɪləntli/
US/ˈvɪdʒələntli/
Meaning
adverbformal
in a way that shows careful attention to possible danger or problems.
Grammar: Modifies a verb: watch vigilantly, guard vigilantly. The adjective is vigilant.
Patterns
- watch vigilantly
- guard vigilantly
- monitor something vigilantly
The guards watched vigilantly through the night.
She monitored the patient's condition vigilantly.
The committee vigilantly checked every detail of the report.
Common combinations
- watch vigilantly
- Parents should watch vigilantly for signs of illness.
- guard vigilantly
- The soldiers guarded the entrance vigilantly.
- monitor vigilantly
- The team monitored the network vigilantly for attacks.
- remain vigilantly alert
- Staff must remain vigilantly alert during the inspection.
Synonyms and how they differ
- carefully
- Carefully is broader and can refer to any careful action; vigilantly specifically suggests watching for danger.
- attentively
- Attentively means paying close attention, but without the strong sense of guarding against risk.
- watchfully
- Watchfully is very close in meaning and slightly less formal than vigilantly.
Opposites
carelesslynegligently
Word family
Commonly confused: vigilantly or vigorously?
vigilantly vs vigorously
Vigorously means with energy and force; vigilantly means with watchful care.
Practice
The lifeguard watched the swimmers ______.
Choose one answer.
Vigilantly means with careful watchfulness, which fits a lifeguard's job. Vigorously means with energy, vaguely means unclearly, and vainly means without success.
Make it your own
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