observe
verb (used with object)
to see, watch, perceive, or notice.
was observing
-
past progressiveof observe.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Part of the appeal was observing a celebrity up close.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
"Given the usual tendencies of ants, I first assumed that I was observing aggression," Moffett said.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 14, 2026
ICE agents typically shoved David Huerta, a labor union leader, to the ground while he was observing raids in the city’s fashion district.
From Salon ● Aug. 31, 2025
They also revealed he was aware that a "victim of the offence" was observing proceedings.
From BBC ● Feb. 19, 2025
Concealment was no longer possible, and they could only hope that no enemy or spy was observing them.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
