adj
Uncommon
vigilant
VIHD-zhih-luhnt
Vigilant (adj) means Watchful and alert, especially for danger, trouble, or wrongdoing. Example: “Stay vigilant when walking alone at night.”
adj
1
Watchful and alert, especially for danger, trouble, or wrongdoing.
"Be vigilant for signs of disease in your garden."
"Stay vigilant when walking alone at night."
"The lifeguards remained vigilant throughout the busy afternoon."
How to use vigilant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn guard and paying close attention, ready to react if something goes wrong.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
remain vigilant
stay vigilant
vigilant about
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more vigilant
- Superlative
- most vigilant
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stay _____ when walking alone at night.
Etymology
From Latin vigilans ("staying awake"), the present participle of vigilare, from vigil ("awake").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for vigilant
See all rhymes for vigilant →Frequently asked questions
What does “vigilant” mean?
The word “vigilant” means watchful and alert, especially for danger, trouble, or wrongdoing. In plain terms, on guard and paying close attention, ready to react if something goes wrong.
How do you pronounce “vigilant”?
“Vigilant” is pronounced VIHD-zhih-luhnt (/ˈvɪd͡ʒɪlənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vigilant” in a sentence?
Here is “vigilant” used in a sentence: “Stay vigilant when walking alone at night.”
What is another word for “vigilant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vigilant” include heedful, hip, on guard, on the lookout, on the watch and on watch.
What is the opposite of “vigilant”?
The opposite of “vigilant” — its antonyms — are complacent, heedless, oblivious, unalert and unaware.
What part of speech is “vigilant”?
“Vigilant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “vigilant” come from?
The word “vigilant” comes from Latin. From Latin vigilans ("staying awake"), the present participle of vigilare, from vigil ("awake").
Is “vigilant” a common word?
“Vigilant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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