Vigilent or Vigilant – Which is Correct? It’s a question that often confuses English learners and even native speakers. When it comes to language and grammar, it’s important to pay attention to the details. In this case, we need to examine both words closely to determine which one is correct.
The correct spelling is “vigilant.” This word is an adjective that means being watchful, alert, and attentive. It is derived from the Latin word “vigilans,” which means watchful or awake. The “-ant” suffix is commonly used to form adjectives from nouns or verbs. In the case of “vigilant,” the noun form would be “vigilance,” which indicates the quality or state of being vigilant.
Now, let’s learn some examples to better understand the usage of “vigilant”:
Example 1: “In order to protect national security, border control officers must remain vigilant and watch out for any suspicious activity at the borders.”
In this example, “vigilant” is used to describe the state and behavior of border control officers. It emphasizes the need for them to be watchful and attentive at all times.
Example 2: “Parents should be vigilant about their children’s online activities to ensure their safety.”
Here, “vigilant” is used to highlight the importance of parents being alert and watchful over their children’s online behavior. It suggests that parents need to be attentive to potential dangers on the internet.
Example 3: “After the recent security breach, the company implemented stricter measures and became more vigilant in protecting customer data.”
In this sentence, “vigilant” is used to describe the change in behavior or attitude of the company. It indicates that the company has become more watchful and attentive in safeguarding customer data.
So, we can see that “vigilant” is the correct word to use when describing someone or something that is watchful, alert, and attentive. It is a term often used in contexts related to security, safety, and care.
On the other hand, “vigilent” is not a recognized word in the English language. It is a misspelling or an incorrect variant of “vigilant.” Using “vigilent” instead of “vigilant” would be considered a grammatical mistake. It’s important to remember that correct spelling is crucial for effective communication and to maintain clarity in written and spoken English.
In conclusion, if you want to express the idea of being watchful and attentive, the correct word to use is “vigilant.” Remember to always double-check the spelling of words to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. By being vigilant in improving our language skills, we can enhance our ability to express ourselves accurately and effectively in English.