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

Junior point guard Dylan Andrews, who sat out the Bruins’ victory over Boston University on Monday with a groin injury, remained sidelined for the portion of practice reporters were allowed to observe Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

“Compact yet beautifully expansive, Orbital invites us to observe the Earth’s splendour, whilst reflecting on the individual and collective value of every human life,” the Booker Prize judges wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

He had Steinway program a player piano to perform “Mad Rush” with Glass pounding playing style, and he had his roaming camera observe the big cat’s response to the music.

From Los Angeles Times

During those 24 hours they observe 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets over their silent blue planet, spinning past continents and cycling past seasons, taking in glaciers and deserts, the peaks of mountains and the swells of oceans.

From BBC

The character’s influence lies in her ability to observe and to be “totally alert” to everything happening around her during the conclave, but not in a submissive way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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