observe
verb (used with object)
to see, watch, perceive, or notice.
have been observing
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present perfect progressiveof observe.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
"Weather satellites have been observing the ocean surface for years," said Lenain.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 22, 2026
Records show that humans have been observing the red monster for millenia, and have even noticed its change in brightness over that time.
From Space Scoop ● Aug. 20, 2025
Scientists have been observing orangutans in Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park since 1994, but they hadn’t previously seen this behavior.
From Seattle Times ● May 2, 2024
Inspectors again found staff were asleep when they should have been observing patients, including all three members of staff assigned to one patient.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2021
"If so, that sub yesterday may have been observing our tests."
From Tom Swift and the Electronic Hydrolung by Charles Brey
