French word

veiller

Pronunciation

IPA/veje/

Meaning

  • verbstay up

Example

Ce soir, je vais veiller tard pour finir mes devoirs.

Tonight, I am going to stay up late to finish my homework.

Illustration for veiller (stay up)

More examples

Les parents veillent tard quand leurs enfants sont malades.

The parents stay up late when their children are sick.

Core concept

A night watch beside a person, with alert care extending into the late hours.

Common phrases

  • veiller tard

    stay up late

  • veiller sur quelqu'un

    watch over someone

Similar words

rester éveillé: To remain awake and not fall asleep.
s'occuper de: To care for someone and attend to their needs.
surveiller: To watch someone or something closely and attentively.
garder: To stay with someone to keep them safe or cared for.

Definition in French

Être éveillé afin de surveiller, garder ou accompagner quelqu'un, ou plus généralement rester tard sans dormir.

Word origin

French veiller developed from Old French veiller and Latin vigilare, whose central sense was remaining awake to guard or observe.

Usage tips

  • Veiller tard describes staying up late, whereas rester éveillé is the more neutral expression for simply remaining awake.

Other meanings

  • watch oververb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word