watchword
C1Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A word or phrase expressing a principle or goal that guides a group or movement.
A frequently used or characteristic word associated with a particular person, group, or theme. It can also refer to a password or a slogan used for identification or rallying support.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically used for a military password, now primarily metaphorical, denoting a guiding principle or motto. It implies vigilance and adherence to a core idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in British English in historical or formal contexts.
Connotations
Connotes formality, tradition, and principle in both varieties.
Frequency
Uncommon in casual conversation; more frequent in journalism, political discourse, and formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
'X' became the watchword of Y.The watchword for Z is 'A'.Adopt 'B' as your watchword.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Safety first' became the watchword on the construction site.”
- “In the new administration, 'transparency' is the watchword.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Efficiency' is the watchword for our Q3 strategy."
Academic
"The watchword of the Enlightenment was 'reason'."
Everyday
"For our camping trip, 'preparedness' will be our watchword."
Technical
Less common; might be used in military history contexts to denote a password.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Be kind' is a good watchword for everyone.
- The team's watchword for the project was 'simplicity'.
- In the fight against climate change, 'sustainability' has become the global watchword.
- For the reformist faction, 'modernisation' was not merely a slogan but the defining watchword of their ideology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **watch**man guarding a gate who demands the **word** (password). The word guides who gets in, just as a watchword guides actions.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WORD IS A GUIDE / A PRINCIPLE IS A PASSWORD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лозунг' (slogan), which can be more temporary or propagandistic. 'Watchword' implies a deeper, guiding principle. Avoid direct translation as 'сторожевой' (guard) + 'слово' (word).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean a simple warning (e.g., 'His watchword was to look both ways'). It's more about guiding principles than direct warnings.
- Confusing it with 'buzzword,' which is a fashionable piece of jargon without the principled depth.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'watchword' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'watchword' is a guiding principle or fundamental idea a group lives by, often serious and enduring. A 'slogan' is a short, memorable phrase used in advertising or politics to promote something; it can be more temporary and less principled.
It is possible but sounds formal. In casual talk, people might say 'motto,' 'guiding principle,' or simply 'our main thing is...' instead.
Yes, etymologically. It originates from the military practice of a sentry ('watch') demanding a password ('word'). The modern meaning retains the idea of vigilance and adherence to a key idea.
Use it as a predicate noun after 'is/was/became' or as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'with X as our watchword'). Example: 'For the expedition, "caution" was our watchword.'