observe

American  

[uhb-zurv] / əbˈzɜrv /

verb (used with object)

observed, observing

1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice.

   He observed the passersby in the street.

   Antonyms:

   ignore

2. to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something.

   I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.

   Synonyms:

   note

   Antonyms:

   ignore

3. to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose.

   to observe an eclipse.

   Antonyms:

   ignore

4. to state by way of comment; remark.

   He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.

   Synonyms:

   say, mention

5. to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc..

   You must observe quiet.

6. to obey, comply with, or conform to.

   to observe laws.

   Synonyms:

   fulfill, follow

   Antonyms:

   ignore

7. to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc..

   to observe Palm Sunday.

   Synonyms:

   keep, celebrate

   Antonyms:

   ignore

8. to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).

   Antonyms:

   ignore

9. to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.

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verb (used without object)

observed, observing

1. to notice.

2. to act as an observer.

3. to remark or comment (usually followed by on orupon ).

observe British  

/ əbˈzɜːv /

verb

1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice

   we have observed that you steal

2. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)

3. to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones

4. to make a comment or remark

   the speaker observed that times had changed

5. (tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)

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Related Words

Observe, witness imply paying strict attention to what one sees or perceives. Both are “continuative” in action. To observe is to mark or be attentive to something seen, heard, etc.; to consider carefully; to watch steadily: to observe the behavior of birds, a person's pronunciation. To witness, formerly to be present when something was happening, has added the idea of having observed with sufficient care to be able to give an account as evidence: to witness an accident.

Other Word Forms

• nonobserving adjective
• nonobservingly adverb
• observable adjective
• observableness noun
• observably adverb
• observedly adverb
• observingly adverb
• preobserve verb (used with object)
• quasi-observed adjective
• reobserve verb
• self-observed adjective
• unobserved adjective
• unobserving adjective
• well-observed adjective

Etymology

Origin of observe

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English observen, from Middle French observer, from Latin observāre “to watch, regard, attend to,” equivalent to ob- ob- + servāre “to keep, save, pay heed to”

Explanation

Observe is often used to mean “remark” or “comment.” When trying to start up a conversation with an attractive stranger, you might observe that it’s raining outside (but hopefully you’ll come up with something more interesting to say). Observe has several secondary meanings, one of which is “notice” or “discover.” If you start a conversation with that attractive stranger, you’ll probably observe whether he or she seems interested in talking to you. Observe can also mean “watch carefully with great interest”; you might be tempted to observe the attractive stranger in this manner, but that might make him or her uncomfortable. Try to stay cool.

Example Sentences

As a mahjong newbie, I was there to observe seasoned players.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

At one time, it was considered an absolute necessity for public officials to observe these rules and take proper action to avoid them.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

This year's operation, which ran from mid-February to the beginning of April, included a contingent from Greenland who had asked to observe the Canadian Rangers in action, Rivière said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

However, because of the molecule's extreme instability, no one had been able to directly observe it in such conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

“Like Ralph Waldo Emerson? Ms. Jacobs says he was really into observing, so that’s what I’ve been doing. Observing. Like I’m an eyeball. And writing what I observe in my eyeball journal.”

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée

Related Words

• detect
• discover
• examine
• inspect
• look at
• mark
• monitor
• note
• pay attention to
• recognize
• regard
• scrutinize
• study
• view
• watch
• witness