Monitor
/ˈmɒnɪtər/
Definitions
3 meaningsA device, often a screen, that displays information, typically from a computer or other electronic device.
/ˈmɒnɪtər/
A device used to display visual output from a computer or other electronic device.
I need to buy a new monitor for my home office.
💡 Simply: Imagine your TV, but for your computer! That's a monitor. It's like the screen you look at to see your games, websites, and everything else on your computer.
👶 For kids: A monitor is like a TV screen for your computer. You can see the pictures and games there!
More Examples
The technician replaced the faulty monitor.
The video game looked amazing on his new curved monitor.
How It's Used
"The new computer has a large, high-resolution monitor."
"The gamer adjusted the settings on his gaming monitor for better performance."
A person or device that observes and checks the progress or quality of something over a period of time; to keep track of.
/ˈmɒnɪtər/
A person or device that observes or checks something.
The health app can monitor your heart rate.
💡 Simply: Think of a lifeguard at a pool, always watching and keeping an eye out to make sure everyone is safe. A monitor does the same thing, but for other things like your health or the environment.
👶 For kids: A monitor is someone who watches to make sure things are going okay, like a lifeguard at the pool.
More Examples
The teacher acted as a monitor during the test.
They hired a security guard to monitor the building.
How It's Used
"Scientists use sensors to monitor air quality."
"Election monitors were present at the polling stations to ensure fairness."
To observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period; to watch carefully.
/ˈmɒnɪtər/
To observe and keep track of the progress or quality of something.
The scientist is monitoring the effects of climate change.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a plant to see how it grows, writing down how tall it gets and how many leaves it has. That’s what you're doing when you 'monitor' something – you watch it closely to see how it changes.
👶 For kids: To monitor is to watch something closely, like watching your pet hamster to see what it does!
More Examples
We need to monitor the progress of the project closely.
The government will monitor the election results.
How It's Used
"Doctors monitor a patient's vital signs after surgery."
"The company monitors its employees' performance."
Idioms & expressions
self-monitoring
The act of observing and regulating one's own behavior, emotions, and thoughts.
"Self-monitoring is an important skill for leaders."
From Latin *monitor* (a person who warns or advises), from *monere* (to advise, warn). Originally referred to a person who warns or advises, then later to a device that displays information.
Originally referred to a person who gives advice, but broadened over time to describe the act of observing and, later, to the physical device.
Memory tip
Think of the monitor as the 'eye' of your computer, showing you what's happening.
Word Origin
"To warn, advise"