observe
verb (used with object)
to see, watch, perceive, or notice.
had observed
-
past perfectof observe.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
In the past couple of months, Martinson said he had observed a "very large increase" in the number of Chinese research vessels operating around Taiwan, especially to the east of the island.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
He did not specify the targets but a statement by the ruling party said the president had observed that the government fostered corruption and failed to diversify the economy.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
In August, Waste Management, the landfill’s owner and operator, acknowledged there was a two-acre “area of concern” where landfill staff had observed temperatures climbing above 200 degrees.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 19, 2025
When the participants tried to end a conversation, researchers had the companion either reply with the same manipulative farewells they had observed popular AI companions use or, in the control condition, say goodbye.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025
God had given one regulator the gift of a newborn son, and two others had observed their birthdays.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
