observant

American  

[uhb-zur-vuhnt] / əbˈzɜr vənt /

adjective

1. quick to notice or perceive; alert.

   Watch for traffic and stay observant as you walk, not lost in thought.

   Synonyms:

   perceptive

   Antonyms:

   slow, dull

2. looking at, watching, or regarding attentively; watchful.

   Thousands of customers have been warned to be observant against a surge of scam letters claiming to be from the bank.

   Synonyms:

   aware, mindful, heedful, attentive

   Antonyms:

   heedless

3. 1. actively following or adhering to a particular religion.

      In Holland during the year surveyed, there were more observant Muslims than either observant Catholics or Protestants, but not all Christians combined.

   2. careful in following or adhering to a particular law, custom, religious ritual, or the like (often used with of orto ).

      He is well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments.

   Synonyms:

   obedient

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noun

1. a person who follows or adheres to a particular law, custom, religion, etc.

2. Observant. Also Observantine a member of a Franciscan order that follows the strict rule of St. Francis.

observant British  

/ əbˈzɜːvənt /

adjective

1. paying close attention to detail; watchful or heedful

2. adhering strictly to rituals, ceremonies, laws, etc

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Other Word Forms

• unobservant
  adjective
• observantly
  adverb
• unobservantly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of observant

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from French, present participle of observer “to notice, observe, watch”; see observe

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Explanation

If you're observant, you’re paying close attention to the details. If you're really observant, you would notice the little blob of mustard on your boss's jacket and brush it off for him before he goes to his business dinner. Your mother may be so observant that she notices every bit of dust you miss when you vacuum. But if you're so observant that you notice every coin on the sidewalk, you might soon have enough money saved to buy your mom a robo-vac. Observant can also mean that you're careful to follow laws and customs to the letter. If you’re an observant Jew or an observant Catholic, you’re following your religion’s rituals and practices very strictly.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

observant

An observant Jew, she grew up in the United States but has always felt strong ties to her country of birth.

From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026

Garmus’ sophomore novel is more of a bildungsroman, the chronicle of a quietly observant boy who is certain of only one thing: that when it comes to poetry, he has perfect pitch.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

Even discussions among more traditionally observant Jews often focus instead on applications of Jewish law.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Some cosmetics, medicines and supplements contain gelatin, animal fats, alcohol or other ingredients whose origins matter to observant consumers.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 2026

Although he took great care to disguise it, Julian was quite an observant creature.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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Related Words

• attentive
• discerning
• discriminating
• intelligent
• mindful
• perceptive
• vigilant

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