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observe

Sayuhb-ZURV/əbˈzɝv/UK/əbˈzɜːv/

Formsobserves, observing, observed

5 meanings of observe

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To watch someone or something carefully and notice the small details.

    Like a cat watching a mouse without taking its eyes off it.

    Scientists observe the stars through powerful telescopes.

    She observed the bird building its nest in the tree.

    Similarwatch, notice, study, monitor

    Oppositeignore, overlook

    Note
  2. 2
    verbintransitive
    To say what you have noticed or thought about something.

    We often observe that the youngest child gets the most attention.

    'The line is moving slowly,' she observed.

    Similarremark, comment, note

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To follow the rules, customs, or practices of a group or religion.

    Like following the rules of a game so everyone plays fairly.

    Many families observe old traditions during the winter holidays.

    She observes the dietary rules of her faith.

    Similarkeep, follow, obey, respect

    Oppositebreak, violate, ignore

    Note
  4. 4
    verbtransitive
    To mark a special day or holiday by celebrating or remembering it.

    Americans observe Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.

    Our school observes a moment of silence each year.

    Similarcelebrate, mark, keep

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    nounarchaic
    A remark or comment about something you have noticed.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin observō meaning "to watch," made from ob- ("before") and servō ("to keep"). It came into English through French.