observe
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to see, watch, perceive, or notice.
He observed the passersby in the street.
- Antonyms:
- ignore
-
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
-
to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose.
to observe an eclipse.
- Antonyms:
- ignore
-
to state by way of comment; remark.
He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.
-
to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc..
You must observe quiet.
-
to obey, comply with, or conform to.
to observe laws.
- Antonyms:
- ignore
-
to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc..
to observe Palm Sunday.
- Antonyms:
- ignore
-
to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
- Antonyms:
- ignore
-
to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.
verb (used without object)
-
to notice.
-
to act as an observer.
-
to remark or comment (usually followed by on orupon ).
verb
-
(tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice
we have observed that you steal
-
(when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)
-
to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones
-
to make a comment or remark
the speaker observed that times had changed
-
(tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)
Synonym Usage
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
Derived Forms
-
observablyadverb
-
observableadjective
-
observablenessnoun
-
nonobservinglyadverb
-
reobserveverb
-
self-observedadjective
-
preobserveverb (used with object)
-
nonobservingadjective
-
observedlyadverb
-
unobservingadjective
-
well-observedadjective
-
unobservedadjective
-
observinglyadverb
-
quasi-observedadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has observedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have observedperfect
-
has been observingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are observingprogressive
-
am observingprogressive 1st person singular
-
is observingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
have been observingperfect progressive
-
observessingular 3rd person
-
observingparticiple
Past
-
had observedperfect
-
was observingprogressive singular
-
had been observingperfect progressive
-
were observingprogressive plural
-
observedparticiple
-
observedsimple
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing observe
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5
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Memorial Day Words
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This will allow policymakers to observe economic dynamics as they unfold rather than long after the fact.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Sit at a table with a bunch of actors and it inevitably becomes an impromptu acting class, one in which even the Michelle Pfeiffer is leaning over to observe.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
"Roman will be especially powerful because it will observe hundreds of millions of distant stars, letting scientists compare faraway planet populations to those found nearby," said Wilson.
From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026
“Anytime you observe something that reminds you of 1999, you’ve got to be worried.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026
She still found time to search out caterpillars, moths, and butterflies, tucking them away in the corner of her kitchen where she could observe and sketch each stage of their lives.
From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
