observant

[ uhb-zur-vuhnt ]

adjective

1. quick to notice or perceive; alert:

   Watch for traffic and stay observant as you walk, not lost in thought.

   Synonyms: perceptive

   Antonyms: slow, dull

2. looking at, watching, or regarding attentively; watchful:

   Thousands of customers have been warned to be observant against a surge of scam letters claiming to be from the bank.

   Synonyms: aware, mindful, heedful, attentive

   Antonyms: heedless

3. 1. actively following or adhering to a particular religion:

      In Holland during the year surveyed, there were more observant Muslims than either observant Catholics or Protestants, but not all Christians combined.

   2. careful in following or adhering to a particular law, custom, religious ritual, or the like (often used with of or to ):

      He is well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments.

   Synonyms: obedient

noun

1. a person who follows or adheres to a particular law, custom, religion, etc.
2. Observant. Also Ob·ser·van·tine [] a member of a Franciscan order that follows the strict rule of St. Francis.

observant

/ əbˈzɜːvənt /

adjective

1. paying close attention to detail; watchful or heedful
2. adhering strictly to rituals, ceremonies, laws, etc

Derived Forms

• obˈservantly, adverb

Other Words From

• ob·serv·ant·ly adverb
• un·ob·serv·ant adjective
• un·ob·serv·ant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of observant¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from French, present participle of observer “to notice, observe, watch”; observe

Related Words

• attentive
• discerning
• discriminating
• intelligent
• mindful
• perceptive
• vigilant