Awareness vs Vigilance is the price of safety

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Awareness

Top 2,000 (common)B2noun

Vigilance is the price of safety

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Awareness
 AwarenessVigilance is the price of safety
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/əˈweənəs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈwernəs/"]/🇬🇧 //ˈvɪdʒɪləns//🇺🇸 //ˈvɪdʒɪləns//
MeaningKnowing about something or being conscious of it.Staying alert helps keep you safe.
ExampleHer awareness of the issues around climate change has increased significantly.In a world full of dangers, vigilance is the price of safety.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsfull, greater, heightened, have, build, create, increase, spread, campaign, programme/​program, training, awareness among, awareness of, a lack of awarenessrequire vigilance, maintain vigilance, demand vigilance, high vigilance, constant vigilance
Antonymsignorance, unawareness-
Common mistakesConfused with 'awarenesses' as the plural form. 'Awareness' is usually uncountable., Using it in a context where 'knowledge' or 'understanding' would be more precise., Mispronouncing it, often placing emphasis incorrectly on syllables.Misunderstanding the meaning as just being cautious without awareness, Confusing 'vigilance' with 'vigil' which is a specific watch or ceremony, Using it in non-security contexts inappropriately
Usage notesUsed in discussions about social issues, personal growth, or health. Avoid in highly casual conversations. Can be formal in business contexts.Use in discussions about safety or security; appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

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Vigilance is the price of safety

Frequently asked questions: Awareness vs Vigilance is the price of safety

What's the difference between Awareness and Vigilance is the price of safety?

Awareness: Knowing about something or being conscious of it. Vigilance is the price of safety: Staying alert helps keep you safe.

Which is more common: Awareness and Vigilance is the price of safety?

Awareness is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Awareness: Her awareness of the issues around climate change has increased significantly. Vigilance is the price of safety: In a world full of dangers, vigilance is the price of safety.

Can I use Awareness and Vigilance is the price of safety interchangeably?

Not always. Awareness and Vigilance is the price of safety are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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