adjective
watchful
WOCH-fuhl
Watchful (adjective) means Alert and paying close attention; on guard. Example: “The watchful nurse kept a close eye on her patient overnight.”
adjective
1
Alert and paying close attention; on guard.
"The watchful nurse kept a close eye on her patient overnight."
How to use watchful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPaying close, careful attention, as if standing guard.
Common pairings
a watchful eye
watchful parent
remain watchful
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more watchful
- Superlative
- most watchful
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ nurse kept a close eye on her patient overnight.
Etymology
From Middle English waccheful, formed from watch plus -ful.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “watchful” mean?
The word “watchful” means alert and paying close attention; on guard. In plain terms, paying close, careful attention, as if standing guard.
How do you pronounce “watchful”?
“Watchful” is pronounced WOCH-fuhl (/ˈwɔt͡ʃ.fəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “watchful” in a sentence?
Here is “watchful” used in a sentence: “The watchful nurse kept a close eye on her patient overnight.”
What part of speech is “watchful”?
“Watchful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “watchful” come from?
The word “watchful” comes from Middle English. From Middle English waccheful, formed from watch plus -ful.
