observe

[uhb-zurv]

verb (used with object)

observed, observing 

1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice.

   He observed the passersby in the street.

   Antonyms: ignore

2. to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something.

   I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.

   Synonyms: note
   Antonyms: ignore

3. to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose.

   to observe an eclipse.

   Antonyms: ignore

4. to state by way of comment; remark.

   He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.

   Synonyms: say, mention

5. to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc..

   You must observe quiet.

6. to obey, comply with, or conform to.

   to observe laws.

   Synonyms: fulfill, follow
   Antonyms: ignore

7. to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc..

   to observe Palm Sunday.

   Synonyms: keep, celebrate
   Antonyms: ignore

8. to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).

   Antonyms: ignore

9. to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.

verb (used without object)

observed, observing 

1. to notice.

2. to act as an observer.

3. to remark or comment (usually followed by on orupon ).

observe

/ əbˈzɜːv /

verb

1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice

   we have observed that you steal

2. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)

3. to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones

4. to make a comment or remark

   the speaker observed that times had changed

5. (tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)

Other Word Forms

• observedly adverb
• observingly adverb
• nonobserving adjective
• nonobservingly adverb
• preobserve verb (used with object)
• quasi-observed adjective
• reobserve verb
• self-observed adjective
• unobserved adjective
• unobserving adjective
• well-observed adjective
• observably adverb
• observable adjective
• observableness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of observe¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English observen, from Middle French observer, from Latin observāre “to watch, regard, attend to,” equivalent to ob- ob- + servāre “to keep, save, pay heed to”

Word History and Origins

Origin of observe¹

C14: via Old French from Latin observāre, from ob- to + servāre to watch

Synonym Study

Observe, witness imply paying strict attention to what one sees or perceives. Both are “continuative” in action. To observe is to mark or be attentive to something seen, heard, etc.; to consider carefully; to watch steadily: to observe the behavior of birds, a person's pronunciation. To witness, formerly to be present when something was happening, has added the idea of having observed with sufficient care to be able to give an account as evidence: to witness an accident.

Example Sentences

This setup allowed the team to measure how much extra effort it took to cross sargassum while observing the turtles without disturbing their behavior.

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The team also observed the early weakening of the blood-brain barrier, which normally regulates nutrient flow into the brain and prevents harmful substances from entering.

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By using brief bursts of a designer chemical to activate the macrophages, the team observed these immune cells forming synaptic-like contacts with myofibers.

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Instead of rushing in, the birds move gradually toward newcomers, taking time to observe and adjust before engaging in more daring interactions that could carry a higher risk of injury.

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By considering the identical isotopic signatures found in both bodies, they tested combinations of possible Theia compositions, sizes, and early Earth properties that could have produced the final state we observe today.

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Related Words

• detect 
• discover 
• examine 
• inspect 
• look at www.thesaurus.com
• mark 
• monitor 
• note 
• pay attention to www.thesaurus.com
• recognize 
• regard 
• scrutinize 
• study 
• view 
• watch 
• witness