Definition of watch for

watch forphrasal verb

theo dõi

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The phrase "watch for" is a combination of two separate words: "watch" and "for". The word "watch" comes from the Old English word "waccan", which meant to be awake or vigilant. Its original meaning was not limited to timekeeping devices but encompassed the broader concept of being alert or attentive. The word "for" has a longer and more complex history. Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "furuz", which meant something like "furrow" or "slide". In the Germanic languages, "for" came to be used as a preposition meaning "in front of", "before", or "due to". This sense is still preserved in many modern Germanic languages. In Middle English, "for" was also sometimes used as a subordinating conjunction to connect a clause to a main clause, as in "he came for me". Over time, the meaning of "watch for" has evolved. Initially, it was used primarily in the context of keeping a lookout for approaching enemies or other potential threats. However, over time it has come to be used more broadly to mean "be alert for" or "look out for". Today, "watch for" is a widely used phrase, often used in spoken English as well as in written communication, such as signs or instructions.

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Example:
  • She watched the sunset with a sense of awe as the sky blazed orange and pink.

    Cô ngắm hoàng hôn với cảm giác kinh ngạc khi bầu trời rực rỡ sắc cam và hồng.

  • As the actor took the stage, the audience watched intently, hanging on his every word.

    Khi nam diễn viên bước lên sân khấu, khán giả chăm chú theo dõi, lắng nghe từng lời anh nói.

  • The child watched in fascination as the butterfly emerged from its cocoon.

    Đứa trẻ thích thú theo dõi con bướm chui ra khỏi kén.

  • The nurse watched over the patient, monitoring his vital signs throughout the night.

    Y tá đã theo dõi bệnh nhân và giám sát các dấu hiệu sinh tồn của anh ấy suốt đêm.

  • The detective watched the suspect closely during the interrogation, searching for any signs of deception.

    Thám tử theo dõi nghi phạm chặt chẽ trong quá trình thẩm vấn, tìm kiếm bất kỳ dấu hiệu lừa dối nào.

  • As the clock struck midnight, she looked up at the sky and watched the distant fireworks display.

    Khi đồng hồ điểm nửa đêm, cô nhìn lên bầu trời và ngắm màn bắn pháo hoa từ xa.

  • The chess player watched his opponent's moves, calculating his response with cold deliberation.

    Người chơi cờ quan sát nước đi của đối thủ, tính toán phản ứng của mình một cách thận trọng.

  • The Olympic swimmer watched the clock, timing his strokes to break the world record.

    Vận động viên bơi lội Olympic theo dõi đồng hồ, tính thời gian bơi để phá kỷ lục thế giới.

  • The security guard watched the entrance, scanning the crowd for any suspicious activity.

    Người bảo vệ quan sát lối vào, quét đám đông để xem có hoạt động đáng ngờ nào không.

  • The student watched the lecture intently, taking diligent notes for the upcoming exam.

    Cậu sinh viên chăm chú theo dõi bài giảng và ghi chép cẩn thận cho kỳ thi sắp tới.