observe
uhb-ZURV
Observe (verb) means to watch someone or something carefully. Example: “Birdwatchers sat quietly to observe the owls leaving their nest at dusk.”
verb
1
To watch someone or something carefully.
"Birdwatchers sat quietly to observe the owls leaving their nest at dusk."
"Scientists observed the animals' behaviour for months."
"She observed him closely as he explained his plan."
2
To follow or comply with a rule, custom, or celebration.
"Drivers must observe the speed limit near the school."
"In our house, we observe a quiet hour after lunch every Sunday."
"Many families observe the holiday with a traditional meal."
3
To make a remark or comment.
""The soup is rather salty," the guest observed with a small smile."
"She observed that the meeting had run much longer than planned."
""You look tired," he observed."
How to use observe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo watch closely, to follow a rule or tradition, or to make a comment.
Common pairings
observe closely
observe a tradition
observe silence
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Word forms
- Plural
- observes
- Third person singular
- observes
- Past tense
- observed
- Archaic forms
- observest, observedst, observeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Birdwatchers sat quietly to _____ the owls leaving their nest at dusk.
Etymology
From Latin observare, "to watch," from ob- ("before") + servare ("to keep, guard").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for observe
See all rhymes for observe →Frequently asked questions
What does “observe” mean?
The word “observe” means to watch someone or something carefully. In plain terms, to watch closely, to follow a rule or tradition, or to make a comment.
How do you pronounce “observe”?
“Observe” is pronounced uhb-ZURV (/əbˈzɝv/ in IPA).
How do you use “observe” in a sentence?
Here is “observe” used in a sentence: “Scientists observed the animals' behaviour for months.”
What part of speech is “observe”?
“Observe” is a verb.
Where does the word “observe” come from?
The word “observe” comes from Latin. From Latin observare, "to watch," from ob- ("before") + servare ("to keep, guard").
Is “observe” a common word?
“Observe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “observe” have?
“Observe” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to watch someone or something carefully.
What is the difference between observe and watch?
To observe is to watch someone or something carefully, usually with deliberate attention and often to learn or record information, as a scientist or examiner does. Watch is the everyday, neutral verb and does not necessarily imply careful study. You watch television, but a doctor observes a patient's symptoms.
Why do people say 'observe' a holiday instead of 'celebrate'?
One sense of observe is to follow or comply with a rule, custom, or celebration, so observing a holiday means marking it according to its customs. Observe is often preferred for solemn or religious occasions, such as observing Ramadan or a minute's silence, while celebrate suggests festivity.
What is the difference between observation and observance?
Observation is the noun for watching carefully, and it can also mean a spoken remark, matching observe's senses of watching and commenting. Observance is the noun for following a rule, custom, or religious practice, as in 'the observance of local traditions.' Swapping one for the other is a common mistake.
Can observe mean to make a comment?
Yes. One established sense of observe is to make a remark, as in 'she observed that the meeting had run long.' This use is slightly formal and is common in written reports and literature.
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