argus-eyed

USAGE SUMMARY

"argus-eyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning to have sharp or keen sight; watchful. Example sentence: The argus-eyed teacher quickly noticed the misbehaving students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His first idea for a painting may be a photograph that he takes himself, scans into a computer, and manipulates or combines with other found images; from there to the final sign-off, he controls every step in what is essentially an industrial process, prowling the studio with Argus-eyed attention to the exact carrying out of his most minute decisions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

SIR — Your interesting article in the December 23, 2006 issue of The Economist entitled "The Argus Eyes of Stargazing" correctly describes astronomers' quests for ever larger and larger telescopes and the wonderful payoff they will bring to our understanding of the origin and evolution of the Universe.

The Economist

Each of the six chapters starts with Argus' many eyes 'awakening' a metaphor for us all opening our eyes to see how pervasive police violence and systemic racism really are.

Vice

The Italian literally reads, "I would defy even the hundred eyes of Argus if a beautiful woman strikes me".

The New York Times - Arts

Formally named after Argus of the 100 Eyes from Greek mythology, Argus was nicknamed the Hat Box or the Flatiron due to her flat-topped appearance.

Wikipedia

She chose the name from the Greek myth of Argus, the giant of many eyes.

The New York Times

This brave old code, like Argus, had a hundred watchful eyes, And ev'ry English peasant had his good old English spies, To tempt his starving discontent with fine old English lies, Then call the good old Yeomanry to stop his peevish cries, In the fine old English Tory times; Soon may they come again!

The Guardian - Books

Robert Greenberg, the president and CEO of Second Sight, the company that developed Argus II, explains that the eye is like a multi-layer cake.

BBC

"Although the consumer may not know we're there," Heilbronn says, "like the Greek myth, Argus will be the watchful eyes making sure the system is doing what it is supposed to do and absolutely nothing more".

TechCrunch

A newly described 305-million-year-old fossil of the familiar spider reveals that the primitive species, dubbed Hastocularis argus, had an extra pair of eyes.

Science Magazine

Zeus, unable to refuse such a reasonable request, reluctantly gave the heifer to Hera, who promptly banished Io and arranged for Argus Panoptes, a creature with one hundred eyes, to guard the now-pregnant Io from Zeus.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argus-eyed" when you want to convey a sense of unwavering vigilance, particularly in a literary or descriptive context. It adds a layer of classical allusion, enriching your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "argus-eyed" in contexts that require a neutral or technical description of observation. The phrase carries a strong, almost mythical, connotation that might be inappropriate for formal reports or scientific analyses.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "argus-eyed" is to act as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something as being extremely watchful and vigilant. It is derived from the myth of Argus, known for having a hundred eyes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argus-eyed" is an adjective that describes someone or something as being extremely watchful, drawing its power from the Greek mythological figure Argus. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English, though its use is relatively rare and more appropriate in descriptive contexts, particularly in news and media where its evocative nature can be most effective. When using this phrase, remember its formal and somewhat literary tone to avoid misapplication in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever-watchful

Emphasizes continuous vigilance, providing a sense of constancy.

watchful

Focuses on the act of watching carefully, lacking the mythological connection.

vigilant

Emphasizes readiness to detect or prevent something, similar to "argus-eyed" but less evocative.

sharp-eyed

Highlights keen eyesight and observational skills, a more literal interpretation.

with a watchful eye

This is an idiom, meaning someone watches something or someone very carefully.

hawk-eyed

Suggests a sharp, predatory focus in observation, adding a sense of intensity.

keen-sighted

Similar to sharp-eyed, emphasizing the ability to see and notice things clearly.

observant

Describes someone who pays close attention to details, differing in its general application.

attentive

Focuses on paying attention, which can be to sounds or other stimuli, not just sight.

circumspect

Implies caution and awareness of potential risks, broadening the sense of vigilance.

FAQs

How can I use "argus-eyed" in a sentence?

You can use "argus-eyed" to describe someone or something that is extremely watchful and observant. For example: "The "argus-eyed security guard" never missed a detail".

What does "argus-eyed" mean?

"Argus-eyed" means having sharp or keen sight; ever vigilant. It alludes to Argus Panoptes from Greek mythology, who had a hundred eyes.

What are some synonyms for "argus-eyed"?

Synonyms for "argus-eyed" include "vigilant", "watchful", "sharp-eyed", and "hawk-eyed".

Is "argus-eyed" formal or informal?

"Argus-eyed" leans towards a more formal and literary register due to its mythological origin. While understandable in most contexts, it might sound out of place in very casual conversation. Alternatives like "sharp-eyed" or ""watchful"" can be more appropriate for informal settings.