What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vigilance
Example
The security guard maintained his vigilance throughout the night to ensure the safety of the building. [vigilance: noun]
Example
It is important to maintain vigilance when driving on the highway to avoid accidents. [vigilance: noun]
watchfulness
Example
The teacher kept a watchful eye on the students during the exam to prevent cheating. [watchful: adjective]
Example
The hiker maintained watchfulness while walking through the forest to avoid getting lost. [watchfulness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Watchfulness is more commonly used than vigilance in everyday language. Watchfulness is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, while vigilance is more specific and often associated with security or emergency situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between vigilance and watchfulness?
Both vigilance and watchfulness are formal words that are appropriate for professional or academic contexts. However, vigilance may be considered more urgent and serious, while watchfulness can be more neutral or positive.
