Heedful

Heedful is an adjective that means paying attention to. The German word huten (HOOT n) means ‘hat,’ but it can also be used to mean ‘to shelter or cover.’ This is the origin of the the word heed, which means to ‘pay attention to.’ To be heedful is to be aware and attentive to. I was heedful of rattlesnakes during our hike through the mountain because I’d been warned of dangerous creatures. Too bad I pay much attention to the threat of mosquitos. I spent the whole weekend itching.