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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Watch

wɑtʃ
Very common
~ 2500
~ 2500, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
To look at or observe something carefully, To monitor or oversee something, To follow a television program, movie, or sports event, To be cautious or vigilant

Watch - Meanings

To look at or observe something carefully

Example: I like to watch the sunset from my balcony every evening.
Usage: informalContext: everyday situations
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'watch' and can refer to observing something with interest or attention.

To monitor or oversee something

Example: She was asked to watch the children while the parents were out.
Usage: formalContext: childcare or supervision settings
Note: This meaning is often used in contexts where supervision or monitoring is required.

To follow a television program, movie, or sports event

Example: Let's watch a movie tonight.
Usage: informalContext: entertainment settings
Note: This meaning is commonly used when referring to consuming visual media.

To be cautious or vigilant

Example: Watch out for icy patches on the road.
Usage: informalContext: warning or safety contexts
Note: This meaning is used to advise someone to be careful or alert.

Watch's synonyms

observe

To watch or notice something carefully.
Example: She likes to observe the birds in the park.
Note: Observing implies a more deliberate and focused act of watching.

gaze

To look steadily and intently at something.
Example: They gazed at the stars in wonder.
Note: Gazing suggests a more prolonged and fixed stare.

stare

To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.
Example: He stared at the painting, trying to understand its meaning.
Note: Staring often implies a more intense or prolonged look.

witness

To see or experience an event or situation.
Example: She witnessed the accident and called for help.
Note: Witnessing often implies being present during an event or happening.

view

To look at or see something from a particular perspective.
Example: They viewed the sunset from the hilltop.
Note: Viewing can imply a more passive act of looking at something.

Watch expressions, common phrases

keep an eye on

To watch or monitor something closely or carefully.
Example: Could you keep an eye on my bag while I go grab a drink?
Note: This phrase implies actively monitoring something, while 'watch' is more general.

watch out

To be careful or cautious, to pay attention to potential danger.
Example: Watch out for that step, it's slippery!
Note: This phrase is a warning to be careful, whereas 'watch' is more about observing.

watch your back

To be wary of potential harm or betrayal, to be cautious.
Example: You never know who might try to deceive you, so always watch your back.
Note: This phrase refers to being cautious of potential threats behind you, not just observing.

watch your mouth

To be mindful of what one says, to avoid saying something inappropriate or offensive.
Example: Watch your mouth when talking to the boss, you don't want to get in trouble.
Note: This phrase is about being cautious with one's words, not just observing or looking.

watch like a hawk

To watch someone or something very closely and attentively.
Example: The teacher watched the students like a hawk during the exam to prevent cheating.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the intensity and focus of the observation, unlike a casual 'watch'.

watch your step

To be careful where one walks, to pay attention to avoid tripping or falling.
Example: As you go up the stairs, watch your step and hold onto the railing.
Note: This phrase is a reminder to be cautious, especially in potentially hazardous situations.

watch the clock

To keep an eye on the time, to be aware of deadlines or time constraints.
Example: We need to finish the project by 5 pm, so watch the clock and stay on schedule.
Note: This phrase focuses on monitoring time and deadlines, distinct from a general 'watch'.

Watch everyday (slang) expressions

binge-watch

To watch multiple episodes of a TV series in rapid succession or in one sitting.
Example: I spent the weekend binge-watching my favorite TV show.
Note: This term specifically refers to watching a large amount of content in one go, often online or through streaming services.

clock

To watch or look at something, especially referring to watching TV or movies.
Example: I'm gonna clock some Netflix tonight.
Note: In this context, 'clock' is more informal and is commonly used to refer to watching TV or movies casually.

flick

To watch a movie, usually in a casual or informal setting.
Example: Let's catch a flick at the cinema this weekend.
Note: While 'flick' refers specifically to watching movies, it is a more colloquial term than 'watch' or 'movie'.

peep

To briefly watch or view something, often quickly or without much attention.
Example: I'm gonna peep the new music video that just dropped.
Note: To 'peep' something implies a quick or casual look, rather than dedicated or focused viewing.

screen

To show or display a movie or TV show on a screen for watching.
Example: Want to come over and screen a few episodes of that new series?
Note: Using 'screen' in this context implies watching content together on a screen, rather than individual viewing.

catch

To watch or attend an event, performance, or show.
Example: Let's catch the game at the sports bar on Friday night.
Note: In this usage, 'catch' conveys the idea of attending or watching an event, often live or in real-time.

scope

To inspect or examine something, usually with the intention of watching or observing it.
Example: I'm gonna scope out that new movie theater nearby.
Note: While 'scope' can refer to watching or observing, it often includes the element of investigation or assessment.

Watch - Examples

I always watch the sunset from my balcony.
Please watch your step on the stairs.
My watch stopped working, I need to get it fixed.

Watch grammar

Watch - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: watch
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): watches, watch
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): watch
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): watched
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): watching
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): watches
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): watch
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): watch
Syllables, Separation and Stress
watch Contains 1 syllables: watch
Phonetic transcription: ˈwäch
watch , ˈwäch (The red syllable is stressed)

Watch - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
watch: ~ 2500 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.