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

• observantly adverb
• unobservant adjective
• unobservantly adverb

Etymology

Origin of observant

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

Example Sentences

But the real subject is the writer himself, still young, brilliantly observant and ready to analyze how his life and career were going.

From The Wall Street Journal

His anecdotes would become the basis for Crystal’s character, Harry, while Ryan’s witty foil, Sally, was the embodiment of Ephron’s sharp and observant eye.

From Salon

Brilliantly observant and self-searching, the diaries were also Ms. Garner’s creative lifeline.

From The Wall Street Journal

He pointed to the practice of Advent, a time when observant Christians prepare themselves for the arrival of the son of God.

From Los Angeles Times

As he does so often in this book, Crowe pulls the reader in with his keenly observant eye that would serve him so well in his second career as a filmmaker.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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