Monitoring: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in contexts where there is a systematic and continuous assessment, often in technical or formal situations such as healthcare, environmental studies, or business operations.

• The doctor is monitoring the patient's vital signs closely.
• There is ongoing monitoring of air quality in the city.

Carries a connotation of closely watching someone or something, typically for security or investigative purposes, and often implies a sense of scrutiny or suspicion.

• The government conducted intensive surveillance on the suspect.
• Surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the mall.

Applied in scenarios where overseeing the performance or behavior of people is necessary, often in work, academic, or childcare environments. This word implies a guiding or authoritative role.

• The new employees are under close supervision.
• The children were playing in the garden under the nanny’s supervision.

Used when describing the act of watching something carefully to gather information, usually for a specific period or event, often in scientific, educational, or informal settings.

• We spent the afternoon in the park, engaged in bird observation.
• The teacher's observation helped identify the student's learning style.

Use in situations where continuous or repeated observation is necessary to assess the progress or status of something over time, such as health, environmental, or system performance.

• The patient's blood pressure needs regular monitoring
• The company has set up monitoring systems to track network performance

Commonly used in situations involving security, law enforcement, or espionage, where close and continuous watch is kept, often covertly; may carry a negative connotation.

• The government uses surveillance cameras in public areas to ensure safety
• The suspect was placed under surveillance by the police

Ideal for situations where careful watching or noticing details over a period is required, often in a scientific or educational setting.

• The scientist's detailed observation of the birds revealed new behavioral patterns
• Students are learning through close observation of the experiment

Good for situations requiring following or recording the movements or progress of something or someone, including logistics, habits, or digital actions.

• The courier service allows customers to track their packages
• Fitness apps are great for tracking exercise routines

Use 'monitoring' in a formal context when continuously tracking or keeping an eye on a process, system, or situation over time.

• The doctor is monitoring the patient’s heart rate.
• We are monitoring the stock market to make better investment decisions.

Use 'observe' when watching something carefully, often for scientific or detailed study purposes.

• The scientists observe the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat.
• We observe the new employee’s performance before making any decisions.

Use 'watch' in casual or informal situations when looking at something attentively, either for enjoyment or caution.

• We like to watch movies on weekends.
• Watch the traffic before crossing the street.

Use 'check' when performing a quick or routine inspection or verification of something.

• Can you check if the door is locked?
• I need to check my email for any new messages.