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Vigilance: meaning, definitions and examples

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vigilance

 

[ˈvɪdʒɪləns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

security

The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

Synonyms

alertness, attentiveness, watchfulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vigilance

Use in situations where active and careful monitoring and attention are required, often to guard against potential dangers or threats.

  • The security team maintained constant vigilance to protect the premises.
  • Vigilance is crucial in this line of work to prevent accidents.
alertness

Best used to describe a state of being quick to notice and respond to events or changes, often implying readiness for action.

  • The driver's alertness prevented a serious accident on the highway.
  • Staying alert during long shifts can be challenging but necessary.
watchfulness

Applied in contexts where someone is keeping careful oversight, often for potential risks or needs for action.

  • The watchfulness of the lifeguard ensured the safety of all swimmers.
  • Continuous watchfulness is necessary in wildlife protection.
attentiveness

Use when highlighting the quality of paying close attention to something or someone, often in a context of care or detail-oriented tasks.

  • Her attentiveness in class resulted in high grades.
  • The nurse's attentiveness to the patient's needs was commendable.

Examples of usage

  • The security guard maintained vigilance throughout the night.
  • Vigilance is crucial in preventing theft and vandalism.
Context #2 | Noun

healthcare

The action or state of paying close and continuous attention.

Synonyms

carefulness, diligence, thoroughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vigilance

Use 'vigilance' when you want to describe a state of being watchful and alert, usually to avoid danger or detect problems.

  • The security team maintained vigilance throughout the night.
  • Parents must exercise vigilance when their children use the internet.
diligence

Use 'diligence' to describe persistent and hardworking attention to a task or duty, often to ensure thoroughness and high quality.

  • His diligence in his studies earned him top grades.
  • Completing the project on time required a lot of diligence.
carefulness

Use 'carefulness' when referring to the quality of being cautious and avoiding mistakes or accidents.

  • Carefulness is essential when handling fragile items.
  • Her carefulness ensured that no details were overlooked in the report.
thoroughness

Use 'thoroughness' to refer to the quality of being very attentive to detail and covering every aspect of a task or subject.

  • The inspector's thoroughness uncovered many issues that needed to be addressed.
  • Her thoroughness in research made her thesis outstanding.

Examples of usage

  • Regular check-ups are important to ensure vigilance in monitoring health.
  • Vigilance in medication management can prevent adverse effects.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'vigilance' comes from the Latin 'vigilantia,' which means 'watchfulness.'
  • It has roots in the word 'vigil,' meaning 'awake, alert,' often linked to staying awake for a purpose.
  • The usage of the word dates back to the 14th century, reflecting its importance in safety and alertness.

Psychology

  • Studies show that heightened awareness can enhance decision-making and safety in challenging environments.
  • There is a phenomenon called 'vigilance decrement,' where people become less attentive over time when monitoring tasks without interruption.
  • Mindfulness practices are recommended to improve vigilance and maintain attention over long periods.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters' vigilance often leads to their survival in tense situations.
  • The theme of vigilance is prevalent in detective fiction, where persistent observation solves mysteries.
  • Poets frequently use the idea of watchfulness to describe the hero's journey or the quest for truth.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, vigilantes are often portrayed as watchful heroes who protect their communities against crime.
  • Video games often incorporate vigilance as a gameplay element, requiring players to be alert and make quick decisions.
  • The phrase 'vigilance is the price of liberty' emphasizes the need for constant awareness in maintaining freedom, often quoted in political discussions.

Science

  • Research in safety science highlights vigilance as a key factor in accident prevention in fields like aviation and healthcare.
  • Studies demonstrate that animals exhibit vigilance behaviors to avoid predators, showcasing its survival value in nature.
  • Cognitive science explores how vigilance relates to attention and processing information, affecting how we react to potential threats.

Translations

Translations of the word "vigilance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vigilância

🇮🇳 सावधानी

🇩🇪 Vigilanz

🇮🇩 kewaspadaan

🇺🇦 пильність

🇵🇱 czujność

🇯🇵 警戒心

🇫🇷 vigilance

🇪🇸 vigilancia

🇹🇷 dikkat

🇰🇷 경계

🇸🇦 يقظة

🇨🇿 bdělost

🇸🇰 bdelosť

🇨🇳 警惕

🇸🇮 budnost

🇮🇸 vigilance

🇰🇿 сақтық

🇬🇪 ყურადღება

🇦🇿 nəzarət

🇲🇽 vigilancia

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,137, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.