Langimage
English

alertness

|a/lert/ness|

B2

🇺🇸

/əˈlɜːrtnəs/

🇬🇧

/əˈlɜːtnəs/

(alert)

vigilant readiness

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounNounVerbVerb
alertalertsalertsalertedalertedalertingmore alertmost alertalertsalertnessalertingalerted
Etymology
Etymology Information

'alert' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'all'erta,' where 'all' meant 'to' and 'erta' meant 'watchtower.'

Historical Evolution

'all'erta' transformed into the French word 'alerte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alert' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to the watchtower,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being watchful or vigilant.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the state of being watchful and ready to respond to any changes or potential dangers.

The guard's alertness prevented a potential security breach.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35