To watch something is to look at it carefully, often for a period of time, to see what happens.
“Watch” comes from Old English “wæccan,” meaning “to be awake, keep guard.” It originally had more to do with staying awake and alert than simply looking.
To “watch” mixes seeing with attention; you’re not just looking, you’re mentally tracking what you see. That’s why you can “watch” your thoughts or your money, even though they’re not always in front of your eyes.
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