vigil

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'vigil' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word 'vigil' to refer to a period of time spent in vigil, which is a watchful expectation or solemn ceremony of keeping awake, usually for a religious purpose. For example: The townspeople held a vigil at the courthouse in order to remember and honour the victims of the shooting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In September 2014 supporters of the then incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan attempted to galvanise support for his re-election using #bringbackgoodluck2015, with some supporters reported to have turned up at the park where the daily #bringbackourgirls vigil was taking place to display their banners.

The Guardian

If his vigil seems excessive, he says, he learned the hard way about missing out on Abba events.

The Guardian - Music

The festival ended with a candle-lit vigil in Sackville park for those who have died of Aids.

The Guardian

Kenyans on social media have also started to share details of a vigil "to remember and mourn the Kenyans who lost their lives", which will be held this evening in Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

The Guardian

A vigil at the University of North Carolina campus at Chapel Hill, just a few minutes from the apartment where the attack took place, saw thousands more.

The Guardian

Martina Correia, Davis's sister, who kept vigil at the prison until the end, said that a movement had been formed that would transcend her brother's death.

The Guardian

Amnesty International and other groups planned a protest outside the US embassy in Paris later on Wednesday and Amnesty also called a vigil outside the embassy in London.

The Guardian

The second, about his bedside vigil, was written six months after her death.

The Guardian - Books

There was a protest rally one day, and a vigil in a dog park the next.

The Guardian

Mimmack said he organised the vigil to push back against others in town who felt "she got what she deserved" and call for improved training for Sandpoint officers.

The Guardian

The protests are to increase over the week, with demonstrations planned at universities across the country on Wednesday and a large event - including a mass lobby of MPs, a rally in Westminster and a candlelit vigil - scheduled to coincide with Thursday's vote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vigil" to describe a period of purposeful watching or staying awake, especially during the night, often for religious or commemorative reasons. Be mindful of the context; it is often associated with solemnity or protest.

Common error

Avoid using "vigil" to describe any instance of watching or waiting. Reserve it for situations involving a deliberate, often solemn, act of keeping watch or observing a religious occasion.

Linguistic Context

The word "vigil" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an act or period of staying awake to keep watch or pray, often with solemn or commemorative intent. Ludwig AI illustrates its usage in contexts ranging from political demonstrations to religious observances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "vigil" is a noun that commonly refers to a period of watchful attention, often during the night, for religious, commemorative, or protest purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, noting its prevalent use in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "watch", "lookout", and "quiet demonstration". When using "vigil", it's crucial to consider its solemn and deliberate connotations, avoiding its misuse in general situations of watching or waiting. As Ludwig AI's analysis and examples demonstrate, "vigil" is a versatile term with nuanced meanings, spanning from religious observance to political expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping watch

Expresses the act of observing or guarding something.

watch

Replaces "vigil" with a simpler, more general term for observing or keeping watch.

quiet demonstration

Highlights the aspect of a "vigil" as a form of protest or support.

solemn gathering

Describes the formal and serious nature of a "vigil".

lookout

Focuses on the aspect of keeping watch for potential danger or intrusion.

ceremony of remembrance

Focuses on the memorial aspect, often associated with vigils.

surveillance

Implies a more formal and often secretive observation.

all-night observance

Highlights the duration and solemnity of the event.

memorial service

Highlights the purpose of honoring and remembering someone or something.

prayer service

Emphasizes the religious aspect of a "vigil", particularly in a devotional context.

FAQs

How to use "vigil" in a sentence?

You can use "vigil" to describe a period of watchful attention, often during the night. For example, "The community held a candlelight "vigil" to honor the victims."

What can I say instead of "vigil"?

You can use alternatives like "watch", "lookout", or "quiet demonstration" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "vigil" or "wake"?

"Vigil" and "wake" are similar but used in different contexts. A "vigil" typically implies a more general period of watchfulness or a public demonstration, while a wake is specifically associated with mourning the deceased.

What's the difference between "vigil" and "protest"?

While a "vigil" can sometimes be a form of "protest", it often carries a more solemn or commemorative tone. A protest is a broader term for expressing dissent or objection.