Observed
əbˈzɜːvd
Definitions
3 meaningsTo notice or perceive something and register it as significant.
əbˈzɜːvd
To notice or perceive something.
The scientists observed the changes in the plant's growth.
💡 Simply: When you *observe* something, you're really paying attention and noticing what's happening. Imagine you're at a park and you *observe* a dog playing fetch – you're seeing and paying attention to what the dog is doing!
👶 For kids: To watch something carefully.
More Examples
I observed a hawk circling overhead.
He carefully observed the instructions before starting the experiment.
How It's Used
"Scientists observed the behavior of the birds."
"I observed a strange pattern in his behavior."
To make a remark or comment.
əbˈzɜːvd
To make a remark or statement.
The professor observed that the students were well-prepared.
💡 Simply: When you *observe*, you're also making a comment. It's like sharing what you've seen or thought about something. For example, you could *observe* that it's raining outside.
👶 For kids: To say something you noticed.
More Examples
The president observed that the economy was improving.
He observed that the traffic was unusually heavy today.
How It's Used
"The author observed that the situation was complex."
"She observed that the movie was rather long."
To follow a rule, custom, or practice.
əbˈzɜːvd
To follow or obey a law, custom, or practice.
The company observed all safety regulations.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, *observe* means you are following rules, like following a law or a holiday. For example, you might *observe* a holiday like Thanksgiving by eating turkey and spending time with family.
👶 For kids: To do what you're supposed to do.
More Examples
The students observed the rules of the school.
The country observes a day of mourning.
How It's Used
"The community observed religious traditions every year."
"They observed the protocol of the meeting."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Observe and learn
To gain knowledge through attentive observation.
"When starting a new job, it's best to observe and learn the company culture."
From Latin observare, meaning 'to watch, notice, or keep'. It evolved through Old French and Middle English.
The word 'observe' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially with the sense of 'to watch carefully'. Its meaning expanded over time to include 'to obey' and 'to comment'.
Memory tip
Think of a detective observing a crime scene.
Word Origin
"to watch, notice, keep"