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

"We observed protective effects not only locally, but also in muscles and throughout the whole organism."

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In this study, he explained, the radiation dose was less than 5% of what is typically used in cancer therapy, and no radiation-related side effects were observed.

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While this is a common event for stars, such a strong growth had never been observed in planet-like objects, making this rogue planet unique!

Read more on Space Scoop

But in the last few decades, scientists have increasingly observed how the rupturing of a fault during an earthquake can be even faster in some cases.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They exposed these cells from both trained and untrained older adults to pharmacological agents such as propranolol and rapamycin to observe their effects.

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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