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
| Awareness | Vigilance is the price of safety | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈweənəs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈwernəs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈvɪdʒɪləns//🇺🇸 //ˈvɪdʒɪləns// |
| Meaning | Knowing about something or being conscious of it. | Staying alert helps keep you safe. |
| Example | Her awareness of the issues around climate change has increased significantly. | In a world full of dangers, vigilance is the price of safety. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | full, greater, heightened, have, build, create, increase, spread, campaign, programme/program, training, awareness among, awareness of, a lack of awareness | require vigilance, maintain vigilance, demand vigilance, high vigilance, constant vigilance |
| Antonyms | ignorance, unawareness | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused 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 notes | Used 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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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.