| Library / English Dictionary |
WATCHFUL
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Engaged in or accustomed to close observation
Example:
constantly alert and vigilant, like a sentinel on duty
Synonyms:
alert; watchful
Classified under:
Similar:
argus-eyed; open-eyed; vigilant; wakeful (carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger)
fly ((British informal) not to be deceived or hoodwinked)
heads-up; wide-awake (fully alert and watchful)
lidless; sleepless (always watchful)
Also:
wary (marked by keen caution and watchful prudence)
awake (not in a state of sleep; completely conscious)
lively (full of life and energy)
Derivation:
watchfulness (vigilant attentiveness)
watchfulness (the process of paying close and continuous attention)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness
Example:
twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights
Synonyms:
insomniac; sleepless; watchful
Classified under:
Similar:
awake (not in a state of sleep; completely conscious)
Context examples:
I never had so much reason for living, was my concluding thought; and after that, until I dozed, I contented myself with trying to pierce the darkness to where I knew Maud crouched low in the stern-sheets, watchful of the foaming sea and ready to call me on an instant’s notice.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
Every thing that the most zealous affection, the most solicitous care could do to render her comfortable, was the office of each watchful companion, and each found their reward in her bodily ease, and her calmness of spirits.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
He could not think Lady Bertram quite equal to supply his place with them, or rather, to perform what should have been her own; but, in Mrs. Norris's watchful attention, and in Edmund's judgment, he had sufficient confidence to make him go without fears for their conduct.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Whenever he ventured away from his mother, the bully was sure to appear, trailing at his heels, snarling at him, picking upon him, and watchful of an opportunity, when no man- animal was near, to spring upon him and force a fight.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
At about eleven o'clock, however, a few specks of small rain upon the windows caught Catherine's watchful eye, and Oh! dear, I do believe it will be wet, broke from her in a most desponding tone.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
When I formerly hinted to you something of this in a letter, you were pleased to answer that you were afraid of giving offence; that people in power were very watchful over the press, and apt not only to interpret, but to punish every thing which looked like an innuendo (as I think you call it).
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
How his eye shone, still watchful, and yet wild beneath!
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
As you enter February, you are keeping a watchful eye over finances.
(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)
But it was in reference to the tone in which he had spoken of “that sort of people”, that Miss Dartle, whose sparkling eyes had been watchful of us, now broke in again.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
But I concealed my feelings by an appearance of hilarity that brought smiles and joy to the countenance of my father, but hardly deceived the ever-watchful and nicer eye of Elizabeth.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
