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OBSERVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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View synonyms for observe

observe

[ uhb-zurv ]

verb (used with object)

observed, observing.
  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)

observed, observing.
  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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • obˈservably, adverb
  • obˈservable, adjective
  • obˈservableness, noun
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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
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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”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of observe1

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

With a 60% male client base, Mr de Trichateau observes that "men can be socialised to view power and dominance as part of their identity".

From BBC

Some of the executions were filmed by Russian forces themselves, while others were observed by Ukrainian drones hovering above.

From BBC

"I knew it was going to be popular. I knew it would do well," she observes as the series enters its sixth season.

From Salon

The prime minister is also seemingly driven to stay by his disdain for his political opponent Poilievre, Mr Martin observed.

From BBC

Girardi is supposed to remain there for up to 30 days as prison staff observe him and evaluate whether prison, or another suitable medical facility, is the appropriate site to serve out a sentence.

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