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Monitors Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monitors

[ˈmɒnɪtəz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer technology

Monitors are electronic devices that display images generated by computers. They come in various sizes and resolutions, and are essential for viewing and interacting with digital content.

Synonyms

display, screen, visual display unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monitors

Typically used in offices or technical settings where multiple screens are required for specific tasks.

  • The IT team set up new monitors for all the workstations
  • The security room was filled with monitors showing live footage
screen

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to any kind of visual display surface, whether on devices or in entertainment (e.g., cinema).

  • She cleaned her laptop screen with a special cloth
  • They watched the movie on a big cinema screen
display

Often used in a general context to refer to the visual output mechanism of a device, such as a computer, phone, or TV.

  • The phone's display is very clear, making it easy to read messages
  • The store had a variety of TV displays for customers to choose from
visual display unit

A technical term, often used in formal or technical documentation to describe a type of screen for computers and other electronic devices.

  • The specifications for the new visual display unit are outlined in the user manual
  • Engineers inspected the visual display unit to ensure it met the quality standards

Examples of usage

  • Please adjust the brightness on the monitor.
  • She stared at the monitor, waiting for the video to load.
  • The monitor blinked off suddenly, causing confusion among the team.
  • The new monitor has a higher refresh rate, making gaming more enjoyable.
  • The monitor's color accuracy is crucial for graphic designers.
Context #2 | Verb

to observe or watch

To monitor means to observe, check, or keep track of something. It often involves regularly checking a situation to ensure it is developing as expected or to detect changes.

Synonyms

keep track of, observe, watch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monitors

When overseeing the progress or status of an ongoing task or system, often in a professional or technical setting.

  • The IT team monitors the network for any unusual activity
  • The teacher monitors the students' progress through the semester
observe

When carefully watching something for an extended period, often for study or research purposes.

  • Scientists observe animals in their natural habitat
  • The detective observed the suspect’s actions without being noticed
watch

Typically used in informal situations when someone is looking at something attentively, often without needing to act on it immediately.

  • They watch the sunset from the beach
  • He likes to watch movies in his free time
keep track of

Used in more casual or everyday situations when you need to stay informed about someone's location or progress.

  • Parents need to keep track of their children's whereabouts
  • He tries to keep track of his expenses to stick to his budget

Examples of usage

  • The security guard monitors the surveillance cameras closely.
  • The doctor will monitor your heart rate during the procedure.
  • We need to monitor the progress of the project to meet the deadline.
  • The teacher monitors the students' behavior in the classroom.
  • The software is designed to monitor network activity for any anomalies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Originally, the term 'monitor' referred to someone who warned or kept watch, dating back to the Latin word 'monere', meaning 'to warn'.
  • The first electronic monitors appeared in the 1930s and were primarily used in military applications for radar display.

Technology

  • The evolution of monitors has led from heavy CRT (cathode ray tube) screens to sleek LCD (liquid crystal display) and LED (light-emitting diode) technologies.
  • Modern gaming monitors boast refresh rates of up to 360Hz, allowing for smoother visuals and quicker response times in games.

Cultural Impact

  • In the early days of computing, the monitor was a revolutionary tool that brought computers into homes and offices, making technology accessible to many.
  • The term 'monitoring' has extended beyond screens; today, it encompasses observing data and behaviors in health, business, and social media.

Science

  • Monitors in laboratories are essential tools; they allow scientists to visualize and analyze data in real time during experiments.
  • Health monitors (like heart rate monitors) are crucial in medical settings as they provide continuous data about a patient's condition.

Art and Design

  • The design of monitors has influenced various art forms, including digital art, where creators rely on high-resolution displays for precision.
  • Modern artists often use monitors to showcase their work through digital installations, blurring the lines between technology and traditional art.

Origin of 'monitors'

The word 'monitor' originated from the Latin word 'monere', meaning 'to warn' or 'to advise'. It was first used in the context of watching over something in the early 16th century. Over time, the meaning of 'monitor' expanded to include electronic devices that display information, particularly in the field of computer technology.

See also: monitored, monitoring.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,279, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.