Observation
ˌɒbzərˈveɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of carefully watching or studying something or someone to gain information.
ˌɒbzərˈveɪʃən
The action or process of closely watching or monitoring something or someone.
The scientist made detailed observations of the behavior of the animals.
💡 Simply: When you look at something closely and pay attention to the details, like watching a bird build a nest or noticing how your friend is feeling. It's about seeing and understanding what's happening.
👶 For kids: Looking at something really carefully to learn about it.
More Examples
Careful observation of the patient's symptoms helped the doctor make a diagnosis.
Through careful observation, the investigators were able to find the missing person.
How It's Used
"Scientists use observation to collect data."
"The detective's keen observation led him to the truth."
"Patients are kept under observation after surgery."
A comment or remark based on what you've seen or noticed.
ˌɒbzərˈveɪʃən
A remark or statement based on something one has seen, heard, or noticed.
His observation about the weather was correct.
💡 Simply: When you say what you think about something after you've looked at it or heard about it. Like, "I noticed the sky is really cloudy today."
👶 For kids: Something you say after looking at or hearing about something.
More Examples
The teacher made a helpful observation about my artwork.
The journalist shared his observations from the crime scene.
How It's Used
"She made a insightful observation about the current political climate."
"The author's observations on human nature were very keen."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under observation
Being carefully watched and monitored.
"The patient was kept under observation after the operation."
make an observation
To state a comment based on something that one has seen or noticed.
"The detective made an interesting observation about the fingerprints at the crime scene."
From Latin *observatio*, derived from *observare* ('to watch, note, or keep').
Used extensively in scientific and philosophical contexts from the 17th century onward, often associated with the scientific method and empiricism.
Memory tip
Think of a detective with a magnifying glass; they are using careful OBSERVATION to solve the case.
Word Origin
"to watch, keep, or note"