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

None of those on board were showing symptoms as of a Saturday statement from World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who traveled to the Canaries to observe the operation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Both Moscow and Kyiv agreed to observe a three-day ceasefire starting May 9, which was announced by US President Donald Trump.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

Storey said staff who were told to observe Gedel through the hatch in his cell door commented on "his perky demeanour".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Economists observe, furthermore, that large price spikes at the pump take longer to return to equilibrium than small ones, in part because retailers can keep prices high until they see evidence that they’re losing customers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

“Okay. Good. But were you able to observe the sheer awesomeness of the rocket before it—you know—got you?”

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Related Words

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