observe

American  

[uhb-zurv] / əbˈzɜrv /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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)

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of observe

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”

Explanation

Observe is often used to mean “remark” or “comment.” When trying to start up a conversation with an attractive stranger, you might observe that it’s raining outside (but hopefully you’ll come up with something more interesting to say). Observe has several secondary meanings, one of which is “notice” or “discover.” If you start a conversation with that attractive stranger, you’ll probably observe whether he or she seems interested in talking to you. Observe can also mean “watch carefully with great interest”; you might be tempted to observe the attractive stranger in this manner, but that might make him or her uncomfortable. Try to stay cool.

Example Sentences

Rowan said the firm would observe other trades, comparable assets and market trends to produce a price for assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

And yet, sad trombone noise: I am definitely not the first nor the last person to observe that Hitler’s arch was a whole lot bigger.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

This allows companies to observe behaviour directly, rather than relying solely on self-reported data.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Opened in 1967, Asahiyama Zoo is one of the country's most popular zoos, known for its unusual enclosures - featuring glass domes and overhead cages - that allow visitors to observe animals up close.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

“I know. But the principal has explained that in America everyone is assigned according to age. Ten years old means fifth grade. And we must observe the American rules, mustn’t we?”

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord

Related Words

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