Langimage
English

vigil

|vig-il|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈvɪdʒ.əl/

🇬🇧

/ˈvɪdʒ.ɪl/

keeping awake

Etymology
Etymology Information

'vigil' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vigilia', where 'vigil' meant 'awake'.

Historical Evolution

'vigilia' transformed into the Old French word 'vigile', and eventually became the modern English word 'vigil' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'wakefulness', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a period of keeping awake'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray.

The family kept a vigil by the bedside of their sick relative.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35