observe

[uhb-zurv]

verb (used with object)

observed, observing 

1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice.

   He observed the passersby in the street.

   Antonyms: ignore

2. to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something.

   I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.

   Synonyms: note
   Antonyms: ignore

3. to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose.

   to observe an eclipse.

   Antonyms: ignore

4. to state by way of comment; remark.

   He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.

   Synonyms: say, mention

5. to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc..

   You must observe quiet.

6. to obey, comply with, or conform to.

   to observe laws.

   Synonyms: fulfill, follow
   Antonyms: ignore

7. to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc..

   to observe Palm Sunday.

   Synonyms: keep, celebrate
   Antonyms: ignore

8. to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).

   Antonyms: ignore

9. to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.

verb (used without object)

observed, observing 

1. to notice.

2. to act as an observer.

3. to remark or comment (usually followed by on orupon ).

observe

/ əbˈzɜːv /

verb

1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice

   we have observed that you steal

2. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)

3. to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones

4. to make a comment or remark

   the speaker observed that times had changed

5. (tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)

Other Word Forms

• observably adverb
• observable adjective
• observableness noun
• observedly adverb
• observingly adverb
• nonobserving adjective
• nonobservingly adverb
• preobserve verb (used with object)
• quasi-observed adjective
• reobserve verb
• self-observed adjective
• unobserved adjective
• unobserving adjective
• well-observed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of observe¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English observen, from Middle French observer, from Latin observāre “to watch, regard, attend to,” equivalent to ob- ob- + servāre “to keep, save, pay heed to”

Word History and Origins

Origin of observe¹

C14: via Old French from Latin observāre, from ob- to + servāre to watch

Synonym Study

Observe, witness imply paying strict attention to what one sees or perceives. Both are “continuative” in action. To observe is to mark or be attentive to something seen, heard, etc.; to consider carefully; to watch steadily: to observe the behavior of birds, a person's pronunciation. To witness, formerly to be present when something was happening, has added the idea of having observed with sufficient care to be able to give an account as evidence: to witness an accident.

Example Sentences

It’s these kinds of details that can only be observed with the naked eye and the human mind, the kinds of tells that are so specific that an AI program can’t pick them up.

From Salon

Bolling, saying something sensible for the first, and perhaps last, time in his life, observed, “He can prove it’s a hoax by releasing it!”

From Salon

“Two words,” says Tony, observing Ziva take apart a thug endangering her daughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Overall, you’re so caught up observing the experience itself that the emotions of the story don’t register as anything more than theme-ride hydraulics.

From Los Angeles Times

“You have to hustle to make it as a writer,” Gay observes when asked to reflect on the obstacles she and others in their profession face.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• detect 
• discover 
• examine 
• inspect 
• look at www.thesaurus.com
• mark 
• monitor 
• note 
• pay attention to www.thesaurus.com
• recognize 
• regard 
• scrutinize 
• study 
• view 
• watch 
• witness