monitor
B1Neutral to formal, widely used in technical, academic, business, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A person or device that watches, observes, checks, or keeps track of something or someone, or a display screen for a computer.
A senior student with disciplinary duties in some schools; a large tropical lizard known for its alertness; to track and record the performance or progress of something systematically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, the core meaning is an observer or screen. As a verb, it implies ongoing, systematic observation, often with a purpose of control or improvement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK education, a 'monitor' can refer to a student with specific responsibilities (e.g., 'class monitor'), a usage less common in the US. The tech terms 'monitor' (screen) and verb usage are identical.
Connotations
In both, connotations are neutral/functional. The old-fashioned school role carries a slightly formal, traditional connotation in the UK.
Frequency
As a noun for a computer screen, 'monitor' is standard in both. 'Screen' or 'display' are common alternatives. The verb is equally frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
monitor + noun (direct object)monitor + noun + for + nounmonitor + wh-clausemonitor + noun + closely/carefullyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To keep a monitor on something.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To monitor sales figures, market trends, or employee productivity.
Academic
To monitor experimental results, student progress, or environmental variables.
Everyday
To monitor your weight, a baby's breathing, or the news.
Technical
A patient monitor in a hospital; a network monitor for IT systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teacher will monitor the pupils during the exam.
- Scientists are monitoring the volcano for signs of activity.
- We must monitor our energy usage this winter.
American English
- Doctors monitored her heart rate overnight.
- The agency monitors compliance with the regulations.
- Parents can monitor their child's internet activity.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standalone adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standalone adverb.
adjective
British English
- The monitor lizard is common in parts of Asia. (Only as part of a compound noun)
- We need a new monitor cable for the computer.
American English
- The monitor function on the device is very useful. (Attributive use)
- He bought a 4K monitor display.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My computer has a big monitor.
- The baby monitor is on the table.
- Please monitor the soup while I answer the door.
- I need to buy a new monitor for my laptop.
- Researchers will monitor the effects of the new drug for five years.
- The security guard monitored the CCTV screens carefully.
- The software allows you to monitor real-time changes in network traffic.
- An independent body was appointed to monitor the election process for fairness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MONITOR lizard, which is known for being alert and watchful, just like a person or device that MONITORs.
Conceptual Metaphor
WATCHING IS CONTROLLING (e.g., 'monitor the budget'); OBSERVATION IS SURVEILLANCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating the noun 'monitor' (computer screen) as 'монитор' in contexts where 'экран' (screen) or 'дисплей' (display) is more natural Russian. The verb 'to monitor' is broader than 'контролировать'; it often means 'наблюдать, отслеживать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'control' instead of 'monitor' (monitor = observe/check; control = manage/direct). Incorrect preposition: 'monitor on something' (should be 'monitor something').
Practice
Quiz
In a traditional British school context, a 'monitor' might refer to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but leans towards functional/formal. In technical and professional contexts, it is standard. In casual speech, people might say 'keep an eye on' instead of 'monitor'.
Yes, both as a noun (e.g., 'a class monitor') and as a verb (e.g., 'The teacher monitored the students').
'Monitor' implies a more sustained, purposeful, and often systematic observation with an aim to track changes or ensure proper function. 'Observe' can be more general or a single act of noticing.
Primarily, but it can refer to any display screen or device used for viewing output, like a medical patient monitor or a broadcast studio monitor.