Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Vigilance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👀
Add to dictionary

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'vigilance'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'vigilance' originates from the Latin word 'vigilantia', derived from 'vigilans' meaning 'watchful'. The concept of vigilance has been crucial throughout history, particularly in the context of security and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and attentive to potential risks or issues.

See also: vigil, vigilant, vigilante.

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.