observance

[ uhb-zur-vuhns ]

noun

1. an act or instance of following, obeying, or conforming to:

   the observance of traffic laws.

   Synonyms: heedfulness, adherence, compliance

2. a keeping or celebration by appropriate procedure, ceremonies, etc.:

   the observance of the Sabbath.

3. a procedure, ceremony, or rite, as for a particular occasion:

   patriotic observances.

4. a rule or custom to be followed or obeyed; a customary practice.
5. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. a rule or discipline for a religious house or order.
   2. a house or order observing a rule or discipline.
6. an act or instance of watching, noting, or perceiving; observation.
7. respectful attention or service.
8. Archaic. courteous attention as to a person; dutiful service.

observance

/ əbˈzɜːvəns /

noun

1. recognition of or compliance with a law, custom, practice, etc
2. the act of such recognition
3. a ritual, ceremony, or practice, esp of a religion
4. observation or attention
5. the degree of strictness of a religious order or community in following its rule
6. archaic.
   respectful or deferential attention

Other Words From

• preob·servance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of observance¹

1175–1225; Middle English observaunce < Old French < Late Latin observantia, Latin: esteem, attention, derivative of observant- (stem of observāns ), present participle of observāre. See observe, -ance

Example Sentences

Faithful observance of the Sabbath, or Lord's Day, is embedded in the culture of Lewis and Harris.

From BBC

“Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Louisiana public-school classroom—rendering them unavoidable—unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state’s favored religious scripture,” the parents wrote in their court filing.

From Salon

The party says it wants to uphold the UK’s observance of the international system, which guarantees in law the fair treatment of refugees.

From BBC

But some fear that concentrating the observance might have limiting effects.

From Seattle Times

Now the parade carries a more political tone because the observance has been organized by people like Waaddao who have long worked to raise awareness on gender equality and diversity.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• adherence
• celebration
• compliance
• fulfillment