watcher

Everyday

1. A watcher is a person who watches something or someone, often carefully or for a long time. tree →
2. It often joins another word: a bird-watcher, a star-watcher, a weight-watcher. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, bird-watchers and star-watchers are people who observe nature and record what they see. In stories, a silent watcher may hide in the shadows. Phrases: «bird-watcher», «a keen watcher», «night watcher».

Examples

• The bird-watchers waited quietly with their binoculars. tree →
• A watcher on the hill saw the ship arrive. tree →
• Star-watchers gathered to see the meteor shower. tree →
• She was a careful watcher of the weather. tree →
• In the story, an unseen watcher followed the children. tree →
• Whale-watchers cheered when a whale jumped. tree →

Note

Countable noun, plural watchers. Often in compounds like «bird-watcher» (also «birdwatcher»). For TV, «viewer» is more usual than «watcher».

In Jewish tradition

In Job, God is the watcher of men who sees all they do. In Daniel, a watcher is a holy angel who comes down from heaven. In Jeremiah, watchers are besieging enemies.

Interpretation. Jewish tradition reads Daniel's watcher as an angel who carries out God's decree. Job's phrase is read as God's constant and close attention to people.

Examples

• If I have sinned, what do I unto Thee, O Thou watcher of men? (Writings JOB.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven. (Writings DAN.4.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Make ye mention to the nations: Behold — publish concerning Jerusalem — watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.' (Prophets JER.4.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun, plural watchers. Often in compounds like «bird-watcher» (also «birdwatcher»). For TV, «viewer» is more usual than «watcher».