French word

surveiller

Pronunciation

IPA/syʁveje/

Meaning

  • verbkeep an eye on

Example

Les parents surveillent leur enfant au parc.

The parents are keeping an eye on their child at the park.

Illustration for surveiller (keep an eye on)

More examples

Je dois surveiller la cuisson du gâteau.

I have to monitor the cake's baking.

Core concept

An attentive guardian keeps something in view over time, checking its condition and preventing trouble.

Common phrases

  • surveiller un enfant

    watch over a child

  • surveiller la cuisson

    monitor the cooking

Similar words

regarder: To look at something briefly or temporarily.
observer: To watch carefully for small changes or distinctive features.
veiller: To keep watch for a long time, often at night, to ensure safety.
contrôler: To check that something is working correctly.

Definition in French

Garder une attention continue sur une personne, un lieu ou une chose pour prévenir tout incident et vérifier l'évolution de la situation.

Word origin

The verb developed in French from sur- and veiller, whose Latin source vigilare referred to staying awake; veiller supplies the watching sense and sur- reinforces directed oversight.

Usage tips

  • Surveiller usually implies responsibility and continuity, so it fits monitoring a child, a fire, or a machine better than the more neutral regarder.

Other meanings

  • monitorverb
  • guardverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word