watchful

Everyday

Paying careful attention to what is happening, so you notice any danger or problem. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories, safety and everyday life. A watchful parent, teacher or lifeguard keeps an eye on children. In stories it suggests protection or suspicion. Phrases: "under the watchful eye of", "keep a watchful eye on", "stay watchful".

Examples

• The lifeguard kept a watchful eye on the swimmers. tree →
• We built the den under the watchful eye of our teacher. tree →
• The mother bird was watchful as the cat came near. tree →
• Be watchful when you cross a busy road. tree →
• The watchful guard noticed the open gate. tree →
• Meerkats take turns to be watchful while the others feed. tree →
• But the watchful Nephele contrived to circumvent her cruel designs, and succeeded in getting the children out of the palace. tree →

Note

Adjective from "watch" plus -ful (with one l). Adverb: watchfully; noun: watchfulness. Similar: alert, careful, vigilant.