Reading Theme:
Monitor: Definition, Common Uses & Sentence Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：keep a close watch on (monitor)
monitor
/ˈmɑːnɪtər/
vt.
To watch and check something carefully over a period of time to see how it changes or develops.
keep a close watch on
➕
/kip ə kloʊs wɑːtʃ ɑːn/
vt.
To observe and check on something or someone regularly and attentively, often for safety or improvement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'monere' (to warn). The '-or' suffix indicates an agent. Originally a 'warner' or 'advisor'.
💡 Mnemonic
MONItor sounds like 'my knee tore' – imagine a doctor constantly checking your injured knee to monitor its recovery.
📖 Example
The doctor will monitor your heart rate closely after the surgery to ensure a smooth recovery.
The medical professional will observe your heart rhythm attentively following the procedure to guarantee a complication-free healing period.
🔗 Collocations
monitor progress – to keep track of how something is advancing or developing
monitor a patient – to observe and check a patient's vital signs regularly
monitor closely – to watch with great attention and care
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
monitoring (n.) – The act of observing or checking something over a period.
monitored (adj.) – Having been watched or checked over time.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'monere' (to warn). Historically, a monitor was a student tasked with supervising peers. In computing, it refers to the display screen that 'watches over' system outputs. This evolution reflects the core sense of overseeing.
Meaning 2：observe electronically (monitor)
monitor
/ˈmɑːnɪtər/
vt.
To use an electronic device to watch or record what is happening in a place or within a system.
observe electronically
➕
/əbˈzɜːrv ɪˌlekˈtrɑːnɪkli/
vt.
To use technology, like cameras or software, to continuously watch over and record activities or data.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new software helps us monitor the energy usage of the entire building in real-time, allowing for better conservation.
The updated application enables us to electronically observe the power consumption of the whole structure as it happens, facilitating more efficient resource management.
🔗 Collocations
monitor traffic – to use cameras or sensors to watch and record vehicle flow
monitor activity – to observe and record actions or operations, often via a system
monitor in real-time – to observe and receive data instantaneously as events occur
🔄 Synonyms
surveil (vt.) – To keep a close and continuous watch over a place or person, typically via cameras.
watch over () – To protect or guard someone or something by paying attention.
scan (vt.) – To examine an area or system electronically, often repeatedly, to detect specific data or threats.
🚫 Antonyms
disconnect (vt.) – To break the link or stop the flow of information from a monitoring device.
leave unobserved () – To not watch over or check something.
🌱 Derivatives
monitoring (n.) – The use of electronic devices to watch or record events.
monitored (adj.) – Equipped with or subject to electronic observation.
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