observe
- to see, watch, perceive, or notice: He observed the passersby in the street.
- to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something: I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.
- to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose: to observe an eclipse.
- to state by way of comment; remark: He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.
- to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc.: You must observe quiet.
- to obey, comply with, or conform to: to observe laws.
- to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc.: to observe Palm Sunday.
- to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
- to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.
- to notice.
- to act as an observer.
- to remark or comment (usually followed by on or upon).
Origin of observe
Synonyms for observe
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms for observe
Related Words for observe
detect, monitor, inspect, recognize, study, watch, scrutinize, regard, discover, note, examine, mark, witness, view, say, declare, respect, hold, honor, rememberExamples from the Web for observe
Contemporary Examples of observe
Photos: Fury at the Ferguson Decision I had yet to be born to observe the events of Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965.
Instead, astronomers hope to observe planet formation in all its stages, each marking a phase in star and planet birth.
Some supporters keep pace, and others trail behind walking, there to observe Booker in the flesh more than for the cardio.
Mitchell said the cameras give administrators the ability to observe teachers in action and offer them tips and coaching.
At This Creepy Libertarian Charter School, Kids Must Swear ‘to Be Obedient to Those in Authority’ProPublica
October 15, 2014
I begin to observe that it sounds as if Sully is in microcosm what Newman himself…but that is as far as I get.
Historical Examples of observe
Milza was the first to observe that her absence was unusually protracted.
PhilotheaLydia Maria Child
He joyed to observe that these men of incredible millions had no hauteur.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
I observe the workings of unemotional law and sometimes record them.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
When you see them, you will observe how he endeavours to hold me to this correspondence.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Do you observe this red glow,—dusky, too, amid all the brightness?
Other Tales and SketchesNathaniel Hawthorne
observe
- (tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; noticewe have observed that you steal
- (when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)
- to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones
- (when intr, usually foll by on or upon; when tr, may take a clause as object) to make a comment or remarkthe speaker observed that times had changed
- (tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)
Word Origin for observe
Word Origin and History for observe
late 14c., "to hold to" (a manner of life or course of conduct), from Old French observer, osserver "to observe, watch over, follow" (10c.), from Latin observare "watch over, note, heed, look to, attend to, guard, regard, comply with," from ob "over" (see ob-) + servare "to watch, keep safe," from PIE root *ser- "to protect." Meaning "to attend to in practice, to keep, follow" is attested from late 14c. Sense of "watch, perceive, notice" is 1560s, via notion of "see and note omens." Meaning "to say by way of remark" is from c.1600. Related: Observed; observing.