Watchful Meaning
/ˈwɒt͡ʃ.fəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjFully observant, vigilant, or aware.
Sentence Examples
He was watchful for any sign of diabetes.
Do not try to run away, please, because the eyes of your enemies are watchful.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ mother checked on her crying baby every few minutes to ensure safety.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mother kept a ____ eye on her children as they played near the edge of the deep swimming pool today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English waccheful, equivalent to watch + -ful. Compare West Frisian waaks (“watchful”), Dutch waaks, waakzaam (“watchful”), German wachsam (“watchful”), Swedish vaksam (“watchful”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But there was so much at stake that I had to take some risk—though even when I was far away there has never been a day when the Shire has not been guarded by watchful eyes."
— 1954 July 29, J[ohn] R[onald] R[euel] Tolkien, “The Shadow of the Past”, in The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings, New York, N.Y.: Ballantine Books, published September 1973, →ISBN, page 93:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ mother checked on her crying baby every few minutes to ensure safety.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mother kept a ____ eye on her children as they played near the edge of the deep swimming pool today.