observer
uhb-ZUR-vuh
Observer (noun) means someone who watches, notices, or pays close attention to something. Example: “The young naturalist sat quietly, a patient observer of the birds in the garden.”
noun
1
Someone who watches, notices, or pays close attention to something.
"The young naturalist sat quietly, a patient observer of the birds in the garden."
"A careful observer would have spotted the mistake right away."
"She works as a political observer, commenting on elections around the world."
2
A person or delegate sent to attend an event or meeting to watch and report back, without taking part in decisions.
"The charity sent an observer to the council meeting to report back on the decisions."
"The UN sent observers to monitor the election."
"As an observer, he could sit in on the talks but not vote."
How to use observer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who watches or monitors something, often without getting directly involved.
Common pairings
neutral observer
election observer
casual observer
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Word forms
- Plural
- observers
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The young naturalist sat quietly, a patient _____ of the birds in the garden.
Etymology
From observe plus the agent suffix "-er", meaning someone who does the action of the verb.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for observer
See all rhymes for observer →Frequently asked questions
What does “observer” mean?
The word “observer” means someone who watches, notices, or pays close attention to something. In plain terms, a person who watches or monitors something, often without getting directly involved.
How do you pronounce “observer”?
“Observer” is pronounced uhb-ZUR-vuh (/əbˈzɝvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “observer” in a sentence?
Here is “observer” used in a sentence: “A careful observer would have spotted the mistake right away.”
What part of speech is “observer”?
“Observer” is a noun.
Is “observer” a common word?
“Observer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “observer” have?
“Observer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who watches, notices, or pays close attention to something.
What is the difference between an observer and a spectator?
A "spectator" watches an event, such as a game or performance, mainly for entertainment. An "observer" watches attentively to notice details, gather information, or report back. An observer is more active and purposeful in paying attention.
What is the difference between an observer and a participant?
An "observer" watches an event or meeting without taking part in the action or decisions. A "participant" is directly involved and takes part. At many meetings, observers may attend and report back but are not allowed to vote.
What is the difference between an observer and a witness?
A "witness" is someone who sees a particular event happen and can describe or testify to it, often in a legal setting. An "observer" watches attentively, sometimes in an official role, and may report on what they see. A witness is defined by having seen something, while an observer is defined by the act of watching closely.
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