Observe
/əbˈzɜːrv/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo watch or examine something carefully and attentively, often to gain information or understanding.
/əbˈzɜːrv/
To notice or perceive something and typically note it as being significant.
The police observed the suspect's movements.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: observing is like being a super-attentive watcher. You're paying close attention to what's going on, like when you watch a cool science experiment or notice the way your friend is acting.
👶 For kids: To watch something or someone carefully.
More Examples
We observed a change in her behavior.
The doctor observed the patient's symptoms.
How It's Used
"Scientists observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat."
"I observed the beautiful sunset from my balcony."
To follow or adhere to a rule, law, custom, or convention.
/əbˈzɜːrv/
To adhere to or abide by a law, a custom, or a rule.
They observed the Sabbath.
💡 Simply: Observing a rule is like keeping a promise or following the instructions. You are making sure you do what you are supposed to do, like obeying the rules of a game.
👶 For kids: To follow a rule or law.
More Examples
The company observed the safety regulations.
It's important to observe traffic laws.
How It's Used
"Citizens are expected to observe the laws of the country."
"The monks observe strict silence during their retreats."
To study or examine something in a formal and systematic way.
/əbˈzɜːrv/
To make a formal or systematic assessment or study of something.
The meteorologist observed the weather patterns.
💡 Simply: This observing is like when scientists do experiments. They watch things very closely and carefully to learn as much as they can, like checking how a plant grows in different conditions.
👶 For kids: To watch something very closely to learn about it.
More Examples
Astronomers observed the distant galaxy.
He observed her reactions to the news.
How It's Used
"Researchers observe the effects of a new drug on patients."
"The anthropologist observed the customs of the tribe."
To make a statement or express an opinion.
/əbˈzɜːrv/
To remark or state something.
She observed that the meeting was running late.
💡 Simply: It is like saying something you have noticed, or pointing something out, such as 'I observe that it is raining today!'
👶 For kids: To say something you noticed.
More Examples
The teacher observed that the class was very quiet.
He observed that the food was delicious.
How It's Used
"He observed that it was a beautiful day."
"The panel observed that the data was inconclusive."
Synonyms
Detect
Notice
Follow
Obey
Analyze
Examine
Inspect
Investigate
Comment
Declare
Mention
Idioms & expressions
observe and report
A task requiring an individual to notice and document specific details or behaviors.
"The security guard's job is to observe and report any suspicious activity."
observe the Sabbath
To refrain from work or activities on the Sabbath day as a religious practice.
"They observe the Sabbath by attending religious services and resting."
From Latin *observare* ('to watch, notice, attend to'), from *ob-* ('toward, in front of') + *servare* ('to watch, keep safe').
The word 'observe' has been used since the late 14th century, originally meaning 'to keep or celebrate' a religious festival or custom.
Memory tip
Imagine you are a detective: you *observe* clues to solve a case. (Ob- serve).
Practice
Word Origin
Root: ob- (toward, in front of) + servare (to watch, keep safe)