Observing
əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo watch carefully and attentively, often with the purpose of learning or gaining information.
əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ
To watch or notice something carefully.
The police were observing the suspect's house.
💡 Simply: It's like being a detective, but you're watching instead of solving a crime! You carefully look at something to find out more about it. Like when you're watching birds to see what they do.
👶 For kids: To look at something very carefully.
More Examples
The teacher was observing the students during the test.
Observing the stars at night is a great way to spend time.
How It's Used
"Scientists are observing the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat."
"I enjoy observing people and the way they interact."
To adhere to or comply with a rule, law, custom, or tradition.
əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ
To obey a rule, custom, or law.
The company is observing safety regulations.
💡 Simply: Like following the rules of a game or school. You're doing what you're supposed to do, whether it's a rule, a tradition, or a law.
👶 For kids: To do what you're supposed to do, like following the rules.
More Examples
The students observed the teacher's instructions.
The community observes the annual festival every year.
How It's Used
"It is important to observe the traffic laws for safety."
"They observed the Sabbath every week."
To make a statement or comment, often based on something one has seen or noticed.
əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ
To make a comment or remark.
The doctor observed that the patient was recovering well.
💡 Simply: It's like pointing something out or making a comment about what you've noticed. Like when you say, 'I observed that you were really happy today!'
👶 For kids: To say something that you saw or noticed.
More Examples
He observed that the room was quite messy.
I observed that the sun was setting.
How It's Used
"She observed that the weather was beautiful."
"The author observed that there was a significant lack of data."
Synonyms
Examine
Notice
Follow
Heed
Obey
Assert
Comment
Declare
Mention
Idioms & expressions
observe a rule
To follow or obey a rule.
"It is important to observe all the rules in a game."
From Latin *observare*, meaning 'to watch over, guard, heed.' It entered English in the 14th century.
Historically, the word 'observe' has been used in contexts ranging from astronomy and natural science to religious practices and law.
Memory tip
Imagine a detective with binoculars, diligently watching a suspect to gather evidence.