observance

[uhb-zur-vuhns]

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.

observance

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• preobservance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of observance¹

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

To Cicero it meant “rules or strictures”; following him, Mr. Appiah writes, St. Augustine observed that it refers not only to worship but to “the observance of duties in human relationships.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the national mood in the past week has reflected "institutional observance" more than "organic, profound sorrow", according to Pavin.

Read more on Barron's

The New Jersey Department of Education allows students to be absent to observe Diwali, and public schools in New York City are closed in observance of the holiday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hegseth has banned observances of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, calling such commemorations “divisive.”

Read more on Salon

He is teetotal and a practising Muslim who has spoken openly about his observance of Ramadan.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• acknowledgment 
• adherence 
• celebration 
• compliance 
• fulfillment