noun
Common
observing
ob-ZUR-vihng
Observing (noun) means the act of watching something closely, or of noting and recording what happens. Example: “The astronomers spent the night observing the meteor shower.”
noun
1
The act of watching something closely, or of noting and recording what happens.
"The astronomers spent the night observing the meteor shower."
"She kept a journal for observing changes in the patient's condition."
"Careful observing of the birds taught the students a great deal."
adj
1
Paying close attention to detail; quick to notice things.
"An observing nurse spotted the problem before it showed up on the monitors."
"She is an observing child who notices every small change in the room."
"An observing reader will spot the clue hidden in the first chapter."
How to use observing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWatching or noticing something carefully, or the habit of doing so.
Common pairings
observing behaviour
observing silence
an observing eye
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Word forms
- Plural
- observings
- Comparative
- more observing
- Superlative
- most observing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The astronomers spent the night _____ the meteor shower.
Related words
Rhymes for observing
See all rhymes for observing →Frequently asked questions
What does “observing” mean?
The word “observing” means the act of watching something closely, or of noting and recording what happens. In plain terms, watching or noticing something carefully, or the habit of doing so.
How do you pronounce “observing”?
“Observing” is pronounced ob-ZUR-vihng (/əbˈzɝvɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “observing” in a sentence?
Here is “observing” used in a sentence: “The astronomers spent the night observing the meteor shower.”
What part of speech is “observing”?
Depending on how it is used, “observing” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “observing” a common word?
“Observing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “observing” have?
“Observing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of watching something closely, or of noting and recording what happens.
What is the difference between observing and watching?
Observing implies close, careful attention with the purpose of noting and recording details, as in scientific or investigative contexts. Watching is more general and simply means looking at something, without necessarily implying the same level of scrutiny or record-keeping.
What does it mean to describe someone as observing?
When used as an adjective, observing describes a person who pays close attention to detail and is quick to notice things, such as an observing student who spots small errors others miss. It highlights alertness and perceptiveness rather than passive looking.
Can observing be used as a noun?
Yes, observing can function as a noun referring to the act of watching something closely, or of noting and recording what happens, as in "astronomers spent the night observing." This noun use is common in scientific writing, especially in astronomy.
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