The main difference between alert and alarm is that alert means to warn someone of a danger or problem while alarm means to make someone feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.
Both words alert and alarm have very similar meanings and are sometimes used interchangeably in some contexts. Moreover, both these words function as a noun and a verb.
Key Areas Covered
1. What Does Alert Mean
– Definition, Meaning, Examples
2. What Does Alarm Meaning
– Definition, Meaning, Examples
3. What is the Difference Between Alert and Alarm
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Alert, Alarm, Warning
Alert – Definition, Meaning and Examples
Alert is a word that can function as a noun, verb, and adjective. As a noun, it refers to a state of awareness of what is going on with one’s surroundings, and heightened watchfulness or preparation for action. It can also refer to a signal or warning of danger. As a verb, it means to take action and warn people of impending danger (e.g., raid, military attack, bad weather like a storm, flood, etc.) As an adjective, alert refers to being fully aware, attentive and vigilant. All in all, alert refers to preparedness.
Let’s now look at some example sentences to see how alert functions as a noun, verb and adjective.
An alert police officer discovered a car full of explosives.
The weather department issued a flood alert to all residents of Nashville.
Despite his old age, he remained active and alert.
Their neighbours heard the screams and alerted the police.
She saw the glow of flames from her window and alerted the neighbours.
The security forces are on the alert for an upsurge in violence.
Alarm – Definition, Meaning, Examples
Alarm is a word that serves as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it can refer to anxious awareness of danger or a warning. Alarm can also refer to a device that calls to attention, warning us of danger or rousing us—for example, alarm clock, smoke detector, security alarm, etc. As a verb, alarm means to warn of danger or to make someone frightened or distressed.
Let’s look at some example sentences containing the word alarm.
He smelled smoke and raised the alarm.
The robbers disabled the security alarm before entering the house.
I always set my alarm at 6 am, but I never get up at 6 am.
She felt herself falling and cried out in alarm.
The whole village heard the alarm.
She became alarmed when she realized the baby was turning blue.
Difference Between Alert and Alarm
Definition
Alert is a word that functions as a noun, verb, and adjective, and implies preparedness while alarm is a word that functions as a noun and a verb, and implies danger.
Noun
As a noun, alert refers to a state of awareness of what is going on with one’s surroundings, and heightened watchfulness or preparation for action, as well as a signal or warning of danger. In contrast, an alarm is a signal that is meant to rouse, alert, or awaken someone
Verb
As a verb, alert means to warn someone of a danger or problem while alarm means to warn of danger or to make someone frightened or distressed.
Adjective
Alert also functions as an adjective, meaning fully aware, attentive and vigilant. However, alarm does not function as an adjective.
Conclusion
As a noun, alert refers to a state of awareness of what is going on with one’s surroundings, and heightened watchfulness or preparation for action, as well as a signal or warning of danger. In contrast, alarm is a signal that is meant to rouse, alert, or awaken someone. As a verb, alert means to warn someone of a danger or problem while alarm means to warn of danger or to make someone frightened or distressed. Moreover, alert is also an adjective while alarm is not. This is the difference between alert and alarm.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Sign, Keep Right, Alert, keep right sign, be alert sign, signage, red, text, sky, danger” (CC0) via Pxfuel
2. “Ringing the elevator alarm” By Dieselducy, Andrew R – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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