observation
10 synonyms and 3 antonyms for observation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of watching something carefully.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use observation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
under observation
make an observation
Etymology
From Middle French observacion, from Latin observatio, built on observare ("to watch").
Full origin of observation →Frequently asked questions
What does “observation” mean?
The word “observation” means the act of watching something carefully. In plain terms, either watching something closely, or a comment based on what you've noticed.
How do you pronounce “observation”?
“Observation” is pronounced ob-zuh-VAYSHN (/ˌɑbzɚˈveɪʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “observation” in a sentence?
Here is “observation” used in a sentence: “The patient was kept in the hospital for observation overnight.”
What part of speech is “observation”?
“Observation” is a noun.
Where does the word “observation” come from?
The word “observation” comes from Latin. From Middle French observacion, from Latin observatio, built on observare ("to watch").
Is “observation” a common word?
“Observation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “observation” have?
“Observation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of watching something carefully.
What is the difference between "observation" and "observance"?
"Observation" means watching something carefully, or a remark based on what you notice, while "observance" refers to following a rule, custom, or holiday. You make an observation, but you keep an observance such as a religious festival.
What is the difference between an "observation" and an "opinion"?
An "observation" is a remark based on something actually noticed or watched, so it is grounded in fact, whereas an opinion expresses a personal belief or judgement. Saying "the room is cold" is an observation; saying "the room is unpleasant" leans toward opinion.
What are common collocations with "observation"?
"Observation" often appears in phrases such as "make an observation," "close observation," "keen observation," and "powers of observation." These reflect its two senses: careful watching and a remark based on what is noticed.
