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

“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

Events unfolded differently beginning Monday morning, when pro-Palestinian Jewish and non-Jewish students erected a tent-like structure in observance of the Jewish holiday of Sukkah in an off-limits central campus court.

From Los Angeles Times

Observance of the Sabbath was once so strict that play park swings were chained up at dusk on Saturday, and hanging out washing on a Sunday was frowned upon.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• adherence
• celebration
• compliance
• fulfillment