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

"Ravens are so observant of the landscape that they don't step into traps easily," says Loretto.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

The international research team attached tiny GPS trackers to 69 ravens -- an impressive number considering the painstaking work in trapping the particularly observant birds.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

The results are a visual version of a word-association exercise, with Mr. Hickey offering curious, observant connections made all the more charming thanks to their enchanting colors and tactility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Blunt, who previously described Dame Jilly as "emotionally intelligent, fantastically generous, sharply observant and utter fun", carried a tote bag with "I love Jilly Cooper" on it.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

I'll have to be on my guard, observant at all times.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

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