watch on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Observe an event from the sidelines without participating
Why “on”? Eyes or thoughts reach one point and stay there.
“He watched on as his team lost.”
“She watched on while others argued.”
Don't confuse with
Watch on means observe an event from the sidelines without participating. Watch out means be careful or alert to danger.
Test yourself
“He watched on as his team lost.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
watch out
A contrast learners often mix up
Be careful or alert to danger
bear on
Same on pattern: attention
Be relevant or related to something
check on
Same on pattern: attention
Make sure someone or something is safe or all right
chew on
Same on pattern: attention
Think carefully about something for a while
dwell on
Same on pattern: attention
Spend too much time thinking or talking about something
focus on
Same on pattern: attention
Direct attention or effort on something
look on
Same on pattern: attention
Watch something happen without taking part; Regard or consider someone or something in a particular way
spy on
Same on pattern: attention
Watch someone secretly
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