observance

American  

[uhb-zur-vuhns] / əbˈzɜr vəns /

noun

1. an act or instance of following, obeying, or conforming to.

   the observance of traffic laws.

   Synonyms:

   heedfulness, adherence, compliance

2. a keeping or celebration by appropriate procedure, ceremonies, etc..

   the observance of the Sabbath.

3. a procedure, ceremony, or rite, as for a particular occasion.

   patriotic observances.

4. a rule or custom to be followed or obeyed; a customary practice.

5. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. a rule or discipline for a religious house or order.

   2. a house or order observing a rule or discipline.

6. an act or instance of watching, noting, or perceiving; observation.

7. respectful attention or service.

8. Archaic. courteous attention as to a person; dutiful service.

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observance British  

/ əbˈzɜːvəns /

noun

1. recognition of or compliance with a law, custom, practice, etc

2. the act of such recognition

3. a ritual, ceremony, or practice, esp of a religion

4. observation or attention

5. the degree of strictness of a religious order or community in following its rule

6. archaic respectful or deferential attention

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Other Word Forms

• preobservance noun

Etymology

Origin of observance

1175–1225; Middle English observaunce < Old French < Late Latin observantia, Latin: esteem, attention, derivative of observant- (stem of observāns ), present participle of observāre. See observe, -ance

Example Sentences

Across a running time tied to the shifting seasons, pocked by images of breathtaking beauty, Pálmason is after a feeling that only patient observance yields: a lasting reality about the passing of relationships.

From Los Angeles Times

Woodson viewed the observance as a corrective—a temporary intervention designed to ensure black history would be taught throughout the year as part of American history.

From The Wall Street Journal

The gallery’s said it will close “in solidarity with communities across the country and in observance of the nationwide strike.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also something healthy about being around normie Catholics, including so-called bad Catholics who, despite their lack of observance, still hold on to their faith.

From The Wall Street Journal

Equity and fixed-income markets are closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

From Barron's

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• adherence
• celebration
• compliance
• fulfillment