The phrase "watches over" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈwɒtʃɪz ˈəʊvə/. The first word, watches, is pronounced with the /ɒ/ vowel sound, as in "hot", followed by the /tʃ/ consonant sound, as in "church". The second word, over, is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/ and the /v/ consonant sound, as in "love". Together, "watches over" means to keep a close eye on something or someone, often to protect or guard.
"Watches over" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of supervising or monitoring someone or something closely in order to ensure their safety, well-being, or progress. It suggests a vigilant and protective observation or surveillance, often done with a sense of responsibility or care.
When someone "watches over" another person, it implies assuming a protective role, maintaining a watchful eye, and being attentive to their needs or actions. This could be a parent watching over their child playing in the park, a teacher watching over students during recess, or a guardian watching over a sick relative. The purpose is to safeguard their interests, prevent harm or danger, and provide guidance or support as necessary.
Similarly, "watches over" can also refer to the supervision or monitoring of objects, spaces, or processes. For example, a security guard "watches over" a building during the night, a computer program "watches over" network activities to detect any potential threats, or a manager "watches over" a project, ensuring its progress and timely completion.
The phrase "watches over" signifies a sense of duty, guardianship, and diligence in maintaining a watchful presence. It denotes actively assuming responsibility and actively engaging in the process of safeguarding, guiding, or overseeing someone or something.
The word "watches over" is a phrase composed of two parts: "watches" and "over". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Watches: The verb "watches" comes from the Old English word "wæccan" which means "to be awake" or "to keep watch". This Old English word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic language, with the word "wakkjaną" meaning "to be awake" or "to be vigilant".
2. Over: The preposition "over" comes from the Old English word "ufor" which means "above" or "on top of". It has its origins in the Germanic language, specifically the Proto-Germanic word "uber" meaning "over" or "across".