Observer
əbˈzɜːrvər
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who watches or notices something.
əbˈzɜːrvər
A person who watches something or someone carefully.
The police sent an observer to the protest to monitor the crowd.
💡 Simply: An observer is like a detective who's watching something to see what happens, like watching a movie, but in real life. For example, the coach of a sports team can be an observer of the other team's tactics.
👶 For kids: Someone who watches things.
More Examples
As an observer, I took careful notes on the experiment.
The birdwatcher was a keen observer of the migrating flocks.
How It's Used
"Scientists use observers to collect data on animal behavior in their natural habitat."
"International observers were sent to monitor the election process."
"I consider myself an observer of human nature; I love watching people."
A device or instrument used for observing phenomena, especially in science.
əbˈzɜːrvər
A device or instrument used for observing.
The space telescope serves as a powerful observer of celestial events.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super cool telescope that lets you see things in space. That telescope, or a similar tool, is an observer.
👶 For kids: A special tool that helps you see things far away.
More Examples
The infrared observer detected changes in the temperature.
We relied on the sensitive observer to track the movement of the object.
How It's Used
"The astronomer used a new high-powered observer to study the distant galaxy."
From Latin *observāre* (“to watch, observe”), from *ob-* (“toward, in front of”) + *servāre* (“to watch, keep safe”).
The term 'observer' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to someone who keeps a law or custom. Its meaning expanded to include someone who watches or notices.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'observe' – an observer *does* the observing!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: observare