What is watch? Pronunciation and usage in English

watch means . Learn how to pronounce and use watch through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of watch

watchverb

/wɒtʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of watch

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "watch" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it depends on where you're from!

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈwɑtʃ/ (pronounced like "wahch")
  • Breakdown:
    • "wa" sounds like the "wah" in "water"
    • "ch" is a soft "ch" sound, like in "church" or "much" – similar to the sound in the Scottish word "loch."

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /wɒtʃ/ (pronounced like "wotch")
  • Breakdown:
    • "wo" sounds like "oh" as in "go"
    • "tch" is a similar "ch" sound as in American English, but often a bit more clipped.

Here's a quick way to hear the pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word watch in English

Let's break down how to use the word "watch" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with lots of different meanings and ways to use it! Here's a breakdown, grouped by common uses:

1. Observing (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To look at something carefully and attentively.
  • Examples:
    • "I watch TV every evening." (Looking at the TV)
    • "She watches birds in her garden." (Looking at the birds)
    • "Don't watch where you're going!" (Looking ahead to avoid bumping into things)
    • "He watches the news to stay informed." (Paying attention to the news)

2. A Device for Seeing (Noun)

  • Meaning: A device that displays moving pictures or videos.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a new watch I received for my birthday." (A wrist watch)
    • "He wore a watch to the movie." (A video watch - like a DVR)
    • "The watch didn't turn on." (Referring to a device)

3. Supervising/Looking After (Verb - often with “over”)

  • Meaning: To keep an eye on someone or something to make sure they are safe or doing what they should.
  • Examples:
    • "Please watch the children while I cook." (Supervise/look after them)
    • "The security guard watches the building." (Supervises/looks after the building's safety)
    • "I need someone to watch my bag." (Keep an eye on it)

4. Following an Event (Verb)

  • Meaning: To follow the progress of something, often in sports or live performances.
  • Examples:
    • "I watched the football match on TV." (Followed the game)
    • "We watched the play last night.” (Observed the performance)
    • "Can you watch this video for me?" (Follow the video's events)

5. To Pay Attention to (Informal – often with "to")

  • Meaning: To listen carefully to someone talking.
  • Examples:
    • “Watch to what I’m saying!” (Listen carefully)
    • “Watch him go!” (Pay attention to his actions)

6. To Observe (More Formal - often with "for")

  • Meaning: To observe something or someone for a period of time.
  • Examples:
    • “I’m watching you for an hour to see how you behave.” (Observing you)
    • “The scientists watched the plant grow for six months.” (Observing the plant)

Key Phrases & Variations:

  • Watch out! – Be careful! (Expression of warning)
  • Keep an eye on… – To watch something carefully. (Similar to "watch")
  • Watch over – To protect or take care of someone or something.
  • Watch TV/Movies/Videos - Common phrases for observing entertainment.

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Use Meaning Example
Observing Look attentively I watch the sunset.
Device A watch (item) He wears a digital watch.
Supervising Keep an eye on Watch the kids!
Event Following Follow progress Watch the race.
Informal Listen carefully Watch to what he says.

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Synonyms for the word watch

Idioms of the word watch

mind/watch your language
to be careful about what you say in order not to upset or offend somebody
  • Watch your language, young man!
  • The referee told the players to mind their language.
mind/watch your step
to walk carefully
    to behave in a careful and sensible way
    • You’d better watch your step with him if you don’t want trouble.
    watch your back
    to protect yourself against danger
    • She'd better watch her back if she wants to hold onto the top job.
    watch the clock
    (disapproving)to be careful not to work longer than the required time; to think more about when your work will finish than about the work itself
    • employees who are always watching the clock
    a watched pot never boils
    (saying)used to say that when you are impatient for something to happen, time seems to pass very slowly
      watch it
      (informal)used as a warning to somebody to be careful
        watch your mouth/tongue
        to be careful what you say in order not to offend somebody or make them angry
          watch this space
          (informal)used in orders, to tell somebody to wait for more news about something to be announced
          • I can't tell you any more right now, but watch this space.
          watch the time
          to be sure that you know what the time is, so that you finish something at the correct time, or are not late for something
          • I'll have to watch the time. I need to leave early today.
          watch the world go by
          to relax and watch people in a public place
          • We sat outside a cafe, watching the world go by.
          • I love just watching the world go by.

          Practice with vocabulary watch

          Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

          1. It's crucial to _____ for any potential security vulnerabilities in the system.
          2. Did you _____ the educational webinar on sustainable practices yesterday?
          3. The supervisor asked me to _____ the attendance sheet to ensure everyone had signed in.
          4. The new software allows us to _____ the server's performance in real-time.

          Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

          1. Project managers often need to _____ the progress of multiple tasks simultaneously. a) oversee b) supervise c) watch d) review

          2. Did you _____ the live stream of the CEO's annual address? a) view b) observe c) attend d) watch

          3. When writing formal emails, it's important to _____ your language to maintain professionalism. a) control b) mind c) watch d) moderate

          4. The research team was asked to _____ the behavior of the new species in its natural habitat. a) watch out b) examine c) observe d) view

          5. I couldn't _____ the presentation clearly from the back of the auditorium. a) listen b) follow c) hear d) understand

          Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

          1. Rewrite the sentence using "watch": The company needs to monitor its competitors' strategies closely.

          2. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "watch": The technician was instructed to observe the machinery for any unusual sounds.

          3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word (do not use "watch"): The main objective is to oversee the team's performance.

          Answer:

          Exercise 1:

          1. watch
          2. watch
          3. check
          4. monitor

          Exercise 2:

          1. a) oversee, b) supervise, c) watch
          2. a) view, d) watch
          3. a) control, b) mind, c) watch, d) moderate
          4. b) examine, c) observe
          5. c) hear, d) understand

          Exercise 3:

          1. The company needs to watch its competitors' strategies closely.
          2. The technician was instructed to watch for any unusual sounds from the machinery.
          3. The main objective is to supervise the team's performance.

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