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

Example Sentences

It never condescends to Sisters Barnes and Paxton and they always have sound rebuttals at the ready; they are also observant, smart and canny.

From Los Angeles Times

Skepticism abounds, even from one of the most observant former players, Brandon McCarthy, who pitched for the Dodgers and Yankees.

From Los Angeles Times

“Heather serves as the voice of the audience because she’s so honest. She’s very observant, she doesn’t sit back on her opinions, and her opinions are usually correct.”

From Los Angeles Times

The new film “His Three Daughters” explores all of that in acute, observant detail.

From Los Angeles Times

Imamoglu, an observant Muslim with liberal views, eschewed mass rallies and negative messages, walking the streets and “engaging people directly, no matter what their ideology,” he recounted.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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