Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Watch Meaning, Examples, and Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：look at attentively (watch)

watch 🔊

/wɒtʃ/

v., n.

To look at something for a period of time, especially something that is moving or changing.

Watch meaning: people watching TV attentively

look at attentively 🔊

➕

/lʊk æt əˈtɛntɪvli/

v., n.

To direct your eyes towards something and pay close attention to it, often over a period of time, in order to see what happens or to find out something.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'wæccan' (to be awake, keep vigil), related to 'wake' and 'awake'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a guard staying awake all night: 'watch' = 'wake' + 'catch' (catching any danger).

📖 Example

On weekends, I love to watch movies with my family. 🔊 On weekends, I love to watch movies with my family.

🔗 Collocations

watch TV – look at television programs attentively

watch a movie – view a film from start to finish

watch carefully – observe with close attention to detail

🔄 Synonyms

observe (v.) – to watch something carefully, especially to learn something

view (v.) – to look at something, especially when it is being shown publicly

gaze (v.) – to look steadily at something for a long time, often with surprise or admiration

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – to pay no attention to something or someone

neglect (v.) – to fail to look after something properly

overlook (v.) – to fail to notice or see something

🌱 Derivatives

watcher (n.) – a person who watches or observes something

watchful (adj.) – paying close attention; vigilant

watchdog (n.) – a dog kept to guard property; also a person or group that monitors others

📖 Cultural Story

The verb 'watch' originates from Old English 'wæccan', meaning 'to be awake' or 'to keep vigil'. Night watchmen in medieval times stayed awake to guard towns. This sense of alert attention later gave rise to the noun meaning 'a small timepiece', as early watches were used by guards to track shifts.

Meaning 2：keep an eye on (watch)

watch 🔊

/wɒtʃ/

v., n.

To be careful about something; to pay attention so that you will see or notice something.

Watch meaning: keeping an eye on cooking pot

keep an eye on 🔊

➕

/kiːp æn aɪ ɒn/

v., n.

To pay close attention to someone or something in order to ensure safety, prevent trouble, or be ready for something.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Can you watch my bag for a minute while I go to the restroom? 🔊 Can you watch my bag for a minute while I go to the restroom?

🔗 Collocations

watch over – to protect and care for someone or something

watch for – to look carefully for something, expecting it to happen

watch out – to be careful; to pay attention because something dangerous might happen

🔄 Synonyms

guard (v.) – to keep someone or something safe from harm or danger

mind (v.) – to be careful about something; to pay attention to something

tend (v.) – to care for someone or something; to watch over

🚫 Antonyms

abandon (v.) – to leave someone or something without protection or care

neglect (v.) – to fail to take care of someone or something

disregard (v.) – to pay no attention to something important

🌱 Derivatives

watchman (n.) – a person whose job is to guard a building or area

watchtower (n.) – a high tower from which guards can keep watch

watchful (adj.) – always paying attention to what is happening