observe

[ uhb-zurv ]

verb (used with object)

, ob·served, ob·serv·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, ob·served, ob·serv·ing.

1. to notice.
2. to act as an observer.
3. to remark or comment (usually followed by on or upon ).

observe

/ 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. whenintr, usually foll by on or upon; when tr, may take a clause as object 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)

Derived Forms

• obˈservably, adverb
• obˈservable, adjective
• obˈservableness, noun

Other Words From

• ob·serv·ed·ly [uh, b-, zur, -vid-lee], adverb
• ob·serving·ly adverb
• nonob·serving adjective
• nonob·serving·ly adverb
• preob·serve verb (used with object) preobserved preobserving
• quasi-ob·served adjective
• reob·serve verb reobserved reobserving
• self-ob·served adjective
• unob·served adjective
• unob·serving adjective
• well-ob·served adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of observe¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of observe¹

C14: via Old French from Latin observāre, from ob- to + servāre to watch

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Trump traveled to Texas yesterday with his best friend Musk to observe the latest Starship SpaceX test of one of those perfect landings.

From Salon

Charities observing this were surprised as over the course of a decade these countries had not taken issue with the use of the word.

From BBC

However, so far it has been observed that these cathode materials 'age' rapidly: the cathode material degrades as a result to the back-and-forth migration of lithium ions during charging and discharging.

From Science Daily

Small camps, usually consisting of 25-35 individuals living in homes a few feet from each other, create an environment where children can observe and interact with a wide range of people.

From Science Daily

The fluorescence made it easy to observe cells as they formed patterns.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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