observe

Forms

present (v1): observe
past (v2): observed
past participle (v3): observed
present participle: observing
3rd person singular: observes

Definitions

1.To notice or view, especially carefully or with attention to detail.
- She got up before dawn to observe the lunar eclipse.
- “One horse?” interjected Holmes. ¶ “Yes, only one.” ¶ “Did you observe the colour?”
- From this vantage point we can observe the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat.
2.To follow or obey the custom, practice, or rules (especially of a religion).
- Please observe all posted speed limits.
3.To take note of and celebrate (a holiday or similar occurrence), to keep; to follow (a type of time or calendar reckoning).
- Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread.
- On Sunday, most of Canada will observe daylight time and spring forward an hour in order to reflect the increasing sunlight.
4.To comment on something; to make an observation.
- The senator observed that the bill would be detrimental to his constituents.

Frequency

Overall

Common· #1454

By learning goal

Everyday conversation: Rare
General reading & writing: Common
Academic: Common
Literature: Rare

Related words

Antonyms

Synonyms

Word family

Etymology

From Middle French observer, from Old French observer, from Latin observō (“to watch”), from ob- (“before”) + servō (“to keep”), from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to guard”).

Cognate with Gothic 𐍃𐌰𐍂𐍅𐌰 (sarwa, “weapons, armour”), Old English searu (“device”).