observev.

Brit.

/əbˈzəːv/, U.S.

/əbˈzərv/

Forms: Middle English oberve (transmission error), Middle English obsirue, Middle English–1500s abserue, Middle English–1600s obserue, Middle English– observe, 1500s upserve, 1600s obcerue, 1600s–1700s obsarve, 1800s abserve (irregular); Scottish pre-1700 obsarve, pre-1700 obseref, pre-1700 obserf, pre-1700 obserff, pre-1700 obserue, pre-1700 obseruue, pre-1700 obserwe, pre-1700 1700s– observe.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French observer; Latin observāre.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French observer to follow the law of Christianity (c1000 in Old French), to abide by a law (late 15th cent.), to examine by way of divination (1535), to notice (1559), to watch attentively (1607), to subject to military surveillance (1681), to subject to scientific observation (1690) and their etymon classical Latin observāre to practise, follow, to abide by, adhere to, keep, to perform or celebrate, to respect, honour, to watch over, guard, to examine by way of divination, to watch for in order to take advantage of, to take notice of, in post-classical Latin also to fast (a636 in Isidore), to remark, state (c1258 in a British source) < ob- ob- prefix + servāre to watch, keep (see serve v.³).

I. To act in accordance with, fulfil; to keep, maintain, or follow.

a. transitive. To follow, practise, or keep to (a mode of existence or conduct, a habit); to maintain or uphold (a quality, state, or condition, now esp. a silence or neutrality). Also: †to make it a habit (to do something) (obsolete). Cf. keep v. 23.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)]

usec1300

maintain1384

observec1390

custom1392

practic?a1425

practise?c1430

frequent1485

to have in wonea1500

wont1530

trade1550

to make a practice of1722

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for

wortheOE

to do worship to (also till, for)OE

honourc1275

worshipc1300

to make feasta1325

to do (a person or thing) honourc1330

observec1390

reverencec1400

weigh1423

honourable1455

worthya1500

honorify1606

to rise up to (also unto)1621

the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > act habitually [verb (intransitive)] > be accustomed to do something

willeOE

wonc1000

haunta1400

customc1450

accustomc1475

use1533

wonta1547

practise1582

want1627

observea1629

c1390 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale 947 Wommen that obseruen chastitee moste be clene in herte.

c1390 G. Chaucer Prioress's Tale 1821 This prouost dooth thise Iewes for to sterue That of this mordre wiste..He nolde no swich cursednesse obserue.

c1453 (c1437) Brut (Harl. 53) 560 (MED) Kyng Henry lete arere ij tentes..where-in both þe Kynges myght trete apart..and þe astate of boþe Kynges observet and kept.

1496 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) sig. Cv ^v True relygyous men obseruynge theyr obedience.

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 35/1 Brigette, whiche..professed and obserued a religious lyfe in Dertforde.

1543 ( Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) 214 (MED) The common weale aboue all thyng preferred..euery prince shuld se wer wel obserued.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 540 A care to observe humanitie and pietie.

a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) xxix. 90 Against S. Andrews day..I observed (saith he) many yeares together, to invite two or three..preachers.

1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. ii. iv. 39 The Mutiners governed themselves in form of a Republick, observing a most exact discipline.

1716 J. Addison Freeholder No. 18. ⁋4 The present government..will so far observe this kind of Conduct, as to reduce [etc.].

1743 W. Ellis Suppl. to London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) 271 Another who used to brew his strong Drink by only one Mashing,..observed to thrust down a good Handful of fresh Hops just over the Tapwhips.

1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xi. 311 Palmyra..was suffered to observe an humble neutrality.

1803 H. Card Hist. Revol. Russia 64 The Polovtsi took the imprudent resolution of observing a strict neutrality.

1843 G. W. Le Fevre Life Trav. Physician II. ii. vii. 260 The people observe a dead silence.

1854 J. H. Newman Lect. Hist. Turks iii. ii. 163 Othman observed the life of a Turcoman, till he became a conqueror.

1858 Biblical Repertory Jan. 139 These are hinge-questions upon which Mr. Brownson observes a prudent reticency.

1916 Amer. Jrnl. Internat. Law 10 772 Did Germany justify its traffic in murder tools when the United States appealed to her to observe a benevolent neutrality?

1992 Classic CD 25 May 21/3 At 14.06 Elgar observes a brief dramatic silence in the music.

†b. transitive. To maintain intact or in good order; to preserve, retain. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve from decay, loss, or destruction

savea1325

servea1375

conservea1413

observe?1440

support1495

powder1530

reserve1555

incorrupt1890

tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iv. 332 With water mynge vryne observed longe.

1478 in T. Thomson Acts Lords Auditors (1839) 61 Till obserue & warant the said landis of the Toftis as he aucht to do.

1529 in C. Innes Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) I. 396 Kepand and observand commond passage be the said brig..to all pepill.

1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. iv. xxii. 71 The fatherly affection of Rome, which..your bishop not onely obserued, but also augmented.

1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 131 Thir armes we knawe evir his eftircumeris to haue obseruet.

c1626 H. Bisset Rolment Courtis (1922) II. 271 That all the commoun guid..be observed and keiped to the commoun proffett.

a. transitive. To obey, abide by, or adhere to (a law, command, custom, covenant, promise, etc.); = keep v. 11.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)]

behold971

i-haldOE

yemec1000

usec1300

observec1391

savea1393

conservec1425

keep1479

the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)]

yieldc825

behold971

hold971

keepc1000

at-holdc1175

takec1300

spare1387

observec1391

to stand by ——c1405

to stick by ——a1530

to stand to ——1537

c1391 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Bodl. 294) Prol. 72* (MED) My kinges heste schal nought falle That I, in hope to deserve His thonk, ne schal his wil observe.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 4214 Bothe kinde schal be served And ek the lawe of god observed.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) Prol. 286 (MED) Cupide [is] blynde, whos domys ben obseruyd More after lust than after equite.

c1450 ( Nightingale (Calig.) 107 in O. Glauning Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1900) 19 (MED) Sle al tho that bien vnkynde And can of love the custom nat observe.

1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii. ix Good Children ought to obserue and kepe euer the comaundements of theyr good parents.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xxiii. f. xxxij Whatsoever they byd you observe, that observe and do.

1535 Act 27 Hen. VIII c. 26 §21 All suche Lawes..shalbe forever inviolably observed.

1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie i. iii. 52 A law naturall to be obserued by creatures.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 709 They..observe Circumcision.

1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 11 Observing the Laws and paying the Rights of the Countrie.

1703 M. Chudleigh Song of Three Children in Poems Several Occasions They still observ'd his Laws.

1781 J. Moore View Soc. Italy (1790) II. lxii. 222 I shall observe your prohibition not to refer you to any medical book.

1830 R. Hardie Hoyle made Familiar 72 The following [laws] are those observed at the Loo Clubs.

1884 A. R. Pennington Wiclif ix. 298 They declared that neither faith nor promise was to be observed to the detriment of the Catholic Church.

1914 ‘I. Hay’ Knight on Wheels xiii. § 3 They conformed to the rules,..observing the spirit rather than the letter of the law.

1991 in K. A. Stølen & M. Vaa Gender & Change in Developing Countries (1991) 54 We served uru and invited relatives. We had to observe this custom once she was circumcised.

b. transitive. To adhere to or follow (a method, rule, precaution, or principle of action, esp. within a specific discipline).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)] > advice, method, or principle

followOE

to draw after ——c1175

pursuec1390

observec1475

c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 154 (MED) Obseruacioun of þe rulis þat schal be obserued..schal folowen in þe chapitre of helynge of enpostymes.

1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. xiv. sig. D In arguynge their cases..they do diligently obserue the rules of Confirmation and Confutation.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. iiii So that..he obseruyng the regyment that amongest the people was deuysed could..auoyde the..malyce of the sweate.

1582 R. Mulcaster 1st Pt. Elementarie xi. 55 I will first giue certain rules, to be obserued in reading and spelling.

1649 in S. Ree Rec. Elgin (1908) II. 432 The want off a richt method and way to be obserwed in teacheing.

1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. iv. 189 If you will seriously observe these short Directions..you shall never have your Expectation deceived.

1733 G. Berkeley Theory of Vision §xxxviii. 32 In considering the Theory of Vision, I observed a certain known Method.

1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. xv. p. clxxxvi It has been shewn what the rules are, which ought to be observed in adjusting the proportion between the punishment and the offence.

1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. iii. 39 The young man observed the precaution.

1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic xv. 129 In ordinary writing and speaking this rule is seldom observed.

1906 G. Saintsbury Hist. Eng. Prosody I. 270 He mainly observes the tetremimeral cæsura..very carefully.

1946 Happy Landings July 3/1 Correct use of air filters and observing precautions against dust during run up are matters for the pilot to remember.

1994 Independent on Sunday 12 June (Review Suppl.) 23/2 There are only two rules to be observed when casting the role of James Bond.

3. transitive. To perform or celebrate duly or in a prescribed manner (a rite, ceremony, etc.); to mark or acknowledge (a festival, anniversary, etc.); = keep v. 12.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > worship > observance, ritual > perform rite(s) [verb (transitive)]

workOE

servec1175

usea1250

solemnize1382

exercisea1400

observec1425

solennizec1440

officyc1443

officec1449

execute1450

solemn1483

celebratec1487

solemnizate1538

frequenta1555

to put upa1628

officiate1631

ceremony1635

liturgy1716

society > faith > worship > liturgical year > feast, festival > observe (feast, etc.) [verb (transitive)]

hallow971

frelsc1000

looka1225

getec1390

keep1463

celebrate1531

observe1539

sanctify1604

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 2399 Out I roos of my bedde..Ful desyrous..To do to Loue some due observaunce..and duely oure rytis to obserue.

c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 52 (MED) The paynemes..kepte their lawe som tyme..in gret reuerence obseruyng all the ceremonyes.

1539 T. Pery Let. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. II. 145 Commanding all hys..subjettes to upserve and keype all manner of holly sacrementes.

1564 Act 5 Eliz. c. 5 It shall not be lawfull..to eate any flesh vpon any dayes now vsually obserued as fish dayes.

1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iv. i. 131 No doubt, they rose vp earely, to obserue The right of May.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 348 The day wherein he overthrew Seleucus, was solemnely observed every yeare amongst them.

1651 C. Cartwright Certamen Religiosum ii. 58 And the like also for the different manner of observing the Lent-fast in respect of the time.

1714 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus (ed. 3) I. i. i. 13 Whoever looks for the New Moon in the Astrological Calendar, will often find Easter observ'd a Week too late.

1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives I. 259 A chariot-race at Veii..was observed as usual.

1833 R. Choate Addr. (1878) 16 A score of Indian tribes..observed the rites of that bloody and horrible Paganism which formed their only religion.

1872 W. N. Molesworth Hist. Eng. II. 361 Among the other expedients that had been suggested in this convention [of Chartist delegates, 1838] was that of observing what was called a ‘sacred month’, during which the working classes..were to abstain from every kind of labour.

1902 B. T. Washington Up from Slavery xvi. 277 One of those numberless holidays which the people of those countries are in the habit of observing.

1938 Foreign Service Feb. 49/2 Every Post is urged to observe the anniversary of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in the harbor at Havana on February 15, 1898.

1991 A. M. Dershowitz Chutzpah v. 157 Joe Lipner..wears a Kippah, keeps kosher, and observes the Sabbath.

†4. transitive. To treat with respect, worship, honour; to show respectful or courteous attention to (a person); to humour or gratify; to court. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for > pay respectful attention to

observec1440

court1590

to make or pay (one's) court to1590

c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 5 Euer obserued Thi wurschip and wurthynes in olde age, That thow hast gretly had in thi first age.

1599 J. Davies Hymnes Astræa xvi. 16 No Spirit but takes thee for her Queene, And thinkes she must obserue thee.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 821 They which dwell on this River observe an Idoll of great note.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. ii. 99 Must I obserue you? Must I stand and crouch Vnder your Testie Humour?

1642 H. Parker Observ. his Majesties Answers in Tracts on Liberty (1933) 208 Corrupted nature itself is to be soothed and observed.

1754 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison VII. xix. 107 Clementina loves to be punctiliously observed.

II. To heed, pay attention to, watch, or notice.

†5. transitive. To take care (to do something); to give heed to (a point); to ensure (that something be done). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > take care about [verb (transitive)]

lookeOE

heeda1225

recka1225

intendc1374

curec1384

observec1390

fandc1425

to see unto ——a1470

wake1525

regard1526

tend1549

study1557

foresee1565

beware1566

to have the care of1579

reckon1622

mind1740

the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > take care > to do something

await?c1430

regard1535

to be surec1555

observe1611

consider1646

to look out1655

see1734

c1390 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale 429 That foule partie shewe they to the peple proudly, in despit of honestetee, which honestetee that Iesu Crist and hise frendes obseruede to shewen in hir lyue.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Cii .iiii. thynges be necssary to be vnderstanded and obserued of all them that entendeth to trauaile the same.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. iiii One poynte diligently..is to be obserued and attended, that he neuer put..foote out of y^e bed.

1611 Bible (King James) Deut. vi. 25 It shall be our righteousnes, if we obserue to doe all these Commandements.

1678 tr. A. de Courtin Rules Civility (rev. ed.) vi. 59 You must..observe to take a worse seat than his Lordship.

1707 W. Funnell Voy. round World vi. 164 Observe that you come not too near the Cape.

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §97 I took off..the most remarkable points,..observing to have one at each end..of each step.

†a. transitive. To watch over, look after, keep safe. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > take care of or look after

yknowOE

knowlOE

to care forc1230

bihedec1250

beseec1300

to look to ——c1300

seea1325

await1393

observea1425

procurea1425

to look after ——1487

to take (also have) regard to (or of)a1500

regard1526

to see after ——1544

to look unto ——1545

attendc1572

to take care of1579

curea1618

tend1631

to look over ——1670

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) 2024 He hym observe Fro trespas and..fro vilanye, And hym governe in curtesie.

a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) ii. xii. 6 At the porchis..of Juno..stude..wardanys tway Forto observe and keip the spreth or pray.

1538 in J. Imrie et al. Burgh Court Bk. Selkirk (1960) 199 Ane schrine to obserf and keip our common seall, chartour [etc.].

1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Acts xv. 36 Converted Souls and planted Churches, must be further visited, observed and watered.

†b. transitive. To watch or examine by way of augury or divination; to take note of (presages or omens). Cf. observation n. 5d. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > augury, divination from omens > augur, divine from omens [verb (transitive)] > observe omens

observea1450

observate1978

a1450 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe ii. §4 4 The ascendent sothly, as wel in alle nativites as in questions and eleccions of tymes, is a thing which that these astrologiens gretly observen.

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 55/1 Yet hath it [sc. the stumbling of one's horse] ben of an olde rite & custome, obserued as a token..natably foregoing some great misfortune.

1611 Bible (King James) Lev. xix. 26 Neither shall ye vse inchantment, nor obserue [L. observabitis] times.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 675 Which are great Witches, and observe entrals of sacrificed Beastes.

1718 Free-thinker No. 52. 2 As for the Occasions, upon which the Ancients had Recourse to Presages..it was judged requisite to observe Them, more especially in Entring upon any Undertaking.

c. transitive. To watch attentively or carefully.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > watch or observe

keepc1000

overseeOE

waitc1300

advisec1325

awaita1375

to wait on ——c1384

markc1400

contemplec1429

to keep (also have) an (or one's) eye on (also upon)a1450

to look straitly to?c1450

to wait after ——c1460

vizy1488

contemplatea1533

vise1551

pry?1553

observe1567

eye1592

over-eye?1592

watch1600

outwatch1607

spell1633

superintend1654

under-watch1654

tent1721

evigilate1727

twig1764

stag1796

eye-serve1800

spy1806

deek1825

screw1905

clock1911

1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 98 The wickit dois obserue the Innocent, To seik to slay him with cruell intent.

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) ii. i. 44 Say to him I liue, and obserue his reports for me.

1717 tr. A. F. Frézier Voy. South-Sea 65 I observ'd them attentively..and did not..see one smiling Countenance among them.

1755 J. Smeaton in Philos. Trans. 1754 (Royal Soc.) 48 537 A third observed, by a seconds-watch, the time taken up in running these 357 feet.

1818 W. Scott Midlothian vi When the multitude arrived at Cowgate Port, they..made it fast, and left a small party to observe it.

1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 407 Edward..requires his ambassador to observe the young prince, and to inform himself of his character and disposition.

1884 Punch 5 Apr. 160/2 I fancy I was being ‘observed’, as they say on the Stage.

a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) II. xvii. 410 She was reflectively observing the handsome, earnest face before her.

1955 O. Manning Doves of Venus ii. 10 He observed her critically.

2000 W. Self How Dead Live (2001) vi. 142 Lily stands by the Moot Hall observing an eyebrowless man who's pottering in his front garden.

†d. intransitive. To make observations. With on, upon. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention > comment on

note1607

observe1613

commenta1616

observea1616

remark1676

commentate1861

to pass a remark1899

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 245 Set on Thy wife to obserue .

1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. xxiii. 140 He that was sharp-sighted enough to see the Configuration of the minute Particles of the Spring of a Clock, and observe upon what peculiar Structure and Impulse, its elastick Motion depends, would no doubt discover something very admirable.

1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 216 You have seen and observed upon many courts of late.

1791 E. Burke Let. to Member National Assembly in Wks. (1823) VI. 32 He has not observed on the nature of vanity who does not know that it is omnivorous.

e. transitive. Military. To watch (an enemy's positions, movements, etc.). Also intransitive.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (intransitive)] > reconnoitre

akenc1400

scurry1580

reknowledge1582

reconnoitre1777

observe1799

spot1892

recce1943

shufti1943

recon1966

society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (transitive)] > reconnoitre (a place)

reknowledge1582

reacknowledge1622

scout1704

reconnoitre1716

reconnaitre1765

observe1799

recce1943

recon1966

society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (transitive)] > reconnoitre (a place) > the enemy or his position

discover1487

recognize1637

recognosce1637

reconnoitre1705

unmask1733

to feel for ——?1795

observe1853

spot1914

1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xi. 16 When Joab observed the city [ RSV as Joab was besieging the city] . ]

1799 J. Floyd in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches (1877) 122 I was observing, with three regiments of cavalry, between the right flank of Colonel Wellesley and the left of General Harris.

1813 Examiner 3 May 274/2 The fortress..is..observed by some parties of Cossacks.

1835 A. Alison Hist. Europe during French Revol. IV. xxvii. 69 Froelich, with 6000 men, observed Coni.

1853 J. H. Stocqueler Mil. Encycl. 200/2 To observe the motions of an enemy is to keep a good look-out by means of intelligent and steady spies or scouts.

1976 R. Massey When I was Young xx. 142 I was observing on the night of the attack. I had a good view..but my perch in the half-timbered ruin was about as secure as a kite balloon.

1993 Soldier of Fortune Feb. 68/2 Pace..took up a fire position in the tall grass, calmly observing the enemy position.

†7. transitive. To watch for in order to take advantage of (a suitable time, opportunity, etc.). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > an opportunity > give opportunity for [verb (transitive)] > look out for an opportunity

to wait one's time1303

observe1541

watch1578

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > an event or opportunity

waita1400

to look for ——a1500

observe1541

watch1578

watch1831

1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance vi. f. 11 Obseruyng the tyme, he by lyttell and lyttell withdrewe hym into suche places.

1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance xxxviii. f. 92 Good diligence in obseruing the oportunity of tyme in sowyng & planting.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cix The byshop..for this cause made the league, obseruing the occasion of tyme.

a1642 W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) v. 467/2 They must observe the Spring-Tides to come over the Barr.

a. transitive. To take note of or detect scientifically; to watch or examine methodically, esp. without experimental or therapeutic intervention; to perceive or learn by scientific inspection or measurement; (spec. in early use) to make an astronomical measurement of the altitude of a celestial object in order to ascertain latitude or longitude; to measure (an altitude) in this way. Cf. observation n. 7a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > cosmology > science of observation > observe [verb (transitive)] > take altitude

observe1559

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > direct or manage ship [verb (intransitive)] > take a sight or observation

observe1559

to shoot (also take) the sun?1574

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > systematic knowledge, science > make scientific [verb (transitive)] > observe

observe1559

1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 162 I can with my..Quadrant, obserue the height of the sonne, and sterre, vntill that he come to the meridian.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ll2 As for..impostumations,..they ought to have beene exactly obserued by multitude of Anatomies.

1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 42 Obserue the height, that is, at twelue a clocke to take the height of the Sunne.

1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. iii. 126 You must observe with your Instrument the Angle CBA, and measure the Distance.

1714 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus (ed. 3) I. iii. 398 The Chaldæans..said, they had begun to observe the Stars 470000 Years before Alexander's Expedition thither.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 372 The Marquess of Worcester had recently observed the expansive power of moisture rarefied by heat.

1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) §63 Adding this to the height of the barometer which was observed at the same moment.

1922 J. J. Sudborough Bernthsen's Text-bk. Org. Chem. (new ed.) vi. 168 Fittig..has studied the action of dilute alkalis on a number of unsaturated acids, and always observed the same effect.

1968 Brit. Jrnl. Psychiatry 114 943/1 They suggest that disagreements on psychiatric diagnoses arise, not so much from theoretical differences, as from differences in the mind of a psychiatrist as he observes a patient and mentally weighs the importance of the behavioural characteristics he sees.

1979 Nature 16 Aug. 570/2 Radio waves generated at altitudes above 5–10 solar radii in the outer corona can be observed only from above the ionosphere.

1992 Astron. Now July 12/1 NASA announced plans to place 16 small landers on Mars by the year 2003 to test the planet's soil, rocks and to observe its weather.

b. intransitive in same sense.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > cosmology > science of observation > observe [verb (intransitive)] > take altitude

observe1762

1762 Philos. Trans. 1761 (Royal Soc.) 52 185 In taking altitudes, I always observe, when the sun, or other celestial body, is as near the prime vertical, or east and west azimuth, as possible.

1823 Lancet 19 Oct. 77/2 We should observe first, and think afterwards.

1854 J. R. Bartlett Personal Narr. Explor. & Incidents I. xvi. 373 Lieutenant Whipple observed here, and found the latitude to be 32°08′43″, longitude 109°24′33″.

1879 W. Thomson & P. G. Tait Treat. Nat. Philos. (new ed.) I: Pt. i. §369 When, as in astronomy, we endeavour to ascertain these causes by simply watching their effects, we observe; when, as in our laboratories, we interfere arbitrarily with the causes or circumstances of a phenomenon, we are said to experiment.

1956 K. M. Bell Some Useful Hints Pract. Surv. (Assoc. Engin. & Shipbuilding Draughtsmen) 18 When the vertical circle of the theodolite is to the left when observing, we are said to be reading ‘Face Left’ and when the circle is on the right, we are reading ‘Face Right.’

a. transitive. To take notice of, be conscious of; to notice, perceive, see. Frequently with that-clause as object. Also intransitive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)]

seeOE

to see with (also at) eyeOE

yseeOE

bihowec1000

ofseeOE

thorough-seeOE

beholdc1175

bihedec1275

heedc1275

witec1320

conceivea1398

observe1560

view?1570

eye1582

oculate1609

survey1615

snilch1676

deek1825

peep1954

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] > pay due or particular attention to

acknowledge?1526

regard1526

observe1560

advise?1567

distinguish1607

follow1824

to tip one's hat (or cap)1975

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > observe, note [verb (transitive)]

markc1175

note?c1225

heedc1275

apperceivec1300

spyc1380

notec1390

notac1392

registera1393

considerc1400

notifya1425

animadvert?a1475

mind1490

adnote1558

observe1560

quote1560

remark1581

to take note1600

apprehenda1634

to take cognizance of1635

animadverse1642

notice1660

to pass in review1697

smoke1716

cognize1821

spot1848

looky1900

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclxxxv The Sunne loked pale and dimme,..And this was not obserued in Germany only, but also in Fraunce & England.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ll1 If men will intend to obserue, they shall finde much worthy to obserue.

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 223 King Henry..obseruing simplicitie in the Messingers deliuery.

1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. ii. 32 This every one observes to be the general Course of things.

1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric I. x. 200 We remark, in the way of attention, in order to remember; we observe, in the way of examination, in order to judge.

1793 W. Cowper Let. 6 Sept. (1984) IV. 390 Hearing the Hall clock, I observed a great difference between that and ours.

1805 M. Lewis Jrnl. 20 Aug. in Jrnls. Lewis & Clark Exped. (1988) V. 126 I have also observed some robes among them of beaver, moonax, and small wolves.

a1855 J. Eagles Sketcher (1856) viii. 200 I am not, observe, here saying one is preferable to another.

1881 T. Hardy Laodicean I. ii. i. 254 At last he observed the white waistcoat of the man he sought.

1940 H. G. Wells Babes in Darkling Wood i. ii. 51 He seemed to be seeing something that had always been under his eyes but which he had never clearly observed before.

1987 T. Wolfe Bonfire of Vanities (1988) v. 125 You will also observe that I do not have eyes in the back of my head.

†b. transitive. To pay attention to or mark the words of (a person). Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1645 W. Laud Speech 10 Jan. 13 I beseech you, as many as are within hearing, observe me, I was borne and baptized in the bosome of the Church of England.

1775 R. B. Sheridan Rivals i. ii Mrs. Mal. Observe me, Sir Anthony. I would by no means wish a daughter of mine to be a progeny of learning.

10.

a. transitive. To say by way of comment; to remark or mention in speech or writing. Frequently with that-clause or direct speech as object.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > remark or observe

speakc888

observe1605

observe1616

remark1666

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ggg4^v Your Maiestie doth excellently well obserue, that Witch-craft is the height of Idolatry.

1646 J. Hall Horæ Vacivæ 172 Tis handsomely observed, that the maine of other Religions never gained by Christianity.

1716 J. Addison Free-holder No. 22. ⁋2 My Fellow-Traveller, upon this, observed to me, there had been no good Weather since the Revolution.

1790 New Ann. Reg. 1789 Brit. & Foreign Hist. 167/2 Mr. Pitt introduced it [sc. the subject] by observing, that tobacco was now to be considered as the smuggler's staple.

1833 H. Martineau Charmed Sea i. 3 ‘You will not cross the testy sea to-night,’ observed one of the peasants.

1869 ‘M. Twain’ Innocents Abroad xxxiii. 357 It has been observed by ancient writers that the second bridge was a very good bridge.

1922 V. Woolf Jacob's Room ii. 23 She observed to Mrs. Page next door that Mrs. Flanders was in the orchard with the chickens.

1954 I. Murdoch Under Net iv. 57 As they observed in the prospectus, few people can tolerate complete solitude.

2001 N.Y. Times Mag. 24 June 50/1 ‘She don't care,’ he observes.

†b. intransitive. To make a remark or verbal observation, to comment on or upon. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention > comment on

note1607

observe1613

commenta1616

observea1616

remark1676

commentate1861

to pass a remark1899

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 120 Scaliger thus observeth concerning the Iewish yeare. The Iewes (saith he) use [etc.].

1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 23 Not only the surface but the inward bowels of the Earth (as Sir Fran. Bacon observes).

1717 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) III. 39 It was moved that they should be read, for the members of Council to observe upon them.

1827 R. H. Froude Remains (1838) I. 453 I will make my meals as simple as I can, without being observed on.

1883 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 11 527 These matters I thought it necessary to observe upon.

†c. transitive. To remark or make observations on. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > remark or observe

speakc888

observe1605

observe1616

remark1666

1616 B. Jonson Epigrammes cx, in Wks. I. 804 Caesar's Commentaries obserued, and translated.

1709 F. Atterbury Serm. St. Brigit's 23 His Compassion and Benignity towards little Children is observ'd by all the Evangelists.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	observe
释义	observen. Brit. /əbˈzəːv/, U.S. /əbˈzərv/, Scottish English /əbˈzɛrv/ Forms: 1600s observe; Scottish pre-1700 1700s– observe, 1800s obsarve. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: observe v. Etymology: < observe v. Originally and chiefly Scottish. 1. a. An observation; esp. a verbal observation, a remark. In early use, usually in plural. Now Scottish and rare.Quot. 1686 is the only attestation in a non-Scottish source. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > [noun] > observing or watching > observation as source of knowledge experience1377 observe1660 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > [noun] marka1400 notea1400 notinga1427 markingc1443 viewc1450 noticec1487 observation1547 observancy1567 animadversion1573 observance1602 remark1614 remarking?1626 notification1659 observala1734 observe1830 the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > [noun] > observing or watching waiting1377 spialc1480 vizying1552 searchant1635 observe1830 outwatch1866 spotting1906 1660 W. Douglas Let. in J. Paterson Post Nubila Phoebus Pref. f. 3^v The observes have..a naturall and genuine arise. 1686 J. Goad Astro-meteorologica i. iv. 14 Some that shoot without aim, may abandon these Observes for superstitions. 1687 A. Shields Hind let Loose i. 118 This was a General Observe that never failed. 1711 J. Anderson Countrey-man's Let. to Curat 77 The observe of a certain Polititian, that mundus regitur a stultis holding generally true. 1738 W. Wilson Def. Reform. Princ. Church Scotl. (1769) 34 I shall first offer a few observes concerning the Church. 1830 J. Galt Lawrie Todd II. iv. i. 12 The Squire, and I, could scale the river, and make observes. 1893 S. R. Crockett Stickit Minister 73 A most uncalled for observe. 1933 J. Ressich Thir Braw Days 81 A real nice chap wis auld Wiggie—mony's the pawky observe he'd let oot. 1947 New Alliance & Sc. Rev. Apr. 14/1 Sae Mr. McCaig's observe is a wee thing agley. †b. Scottish. A division of a sermon. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > preaching > [noun] > instance of > part of use1615 observe1833 1833 W. L. Mackenzie Sketches Canada & U.S. 8 I went to hear Doctor McLeod, a steadfast Presbyterian of the old school. There..the discourse is divided and subdivided into heads and observes in true covenanting fashion. †2. Scottish. Notice, attention. Phrase to take no observe. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > attention > [noun] gomec1175 thoughtc1175 tenta1300 curec1300 intentc1320 keepa1325 heed1357 attendancec1374 attentionc1374 aspect1393 marka1400 notea1400 advertencea1413 markingc1443 regard1457 advertisementc1487 noticec1487 attent?a1500 advertation?c1500 respect1509 garda1569 intendiment1590 on-waiting1590 attend1594 tendment1597 attending1611 fixationa1631 adversion1642 heeding1678 attendancya1680 perpensity1704 observe1805 intending1876 1805 Session Papers in Sc. National Dict. (1965) VI. (at cited word) Can the witness say who were the persons? Answer, she took no observe. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online June 2022). observev. Brit. /əbˈzəːv/, U.S. /əbˈzərv/ Forms: Middle English oberve (transmission error), Middle English obsirue, Middle English–1500s abserue, Middle English–1600s obserue, Middle English– observe, 1500s upserve, 1600s obcerue, 1600s–1700s obsarve, 1800s abserve (irregular); Scottish pre-1700 obsarve, pre-1700 obseref, pre-1700 obserf, pre-1700 obserff, pre-1700 obserue, pre-1700 obseruue, pre-1700 obserwe, pre-1700 1700s– observe. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French observer; Latin observāre. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French observer to follow the law of Christianity (c1000 in Old French), to abide by a law (late 15th cent.), to examine by way of divination (1535), to notice (1559), to watch attentively (1607), to subject to military surveillance (1681), to subject to scientific observation (1690) and their etymon classical Latin observāre to practise, follow, to abide by, adhere to, keep, to perform or celebrate, to respect, honour, to watch over, guard, to examine by way of divination, to watch for in order to take advantage of, to take notice of, in post-classical Latin also to fast (a636 in Isidore), to remark, state (c1258 in a British source) < ob- ob- prefix + servāre to watch, keep (see serve v.³). I. To act in accordance with, fulfil; to keep, maintain, or follow. 1. a. transitive. To follow, practise, or keep to (a mode of existence or conduct, a habit); to maintain or uphold (a quality, state, or condition, now esp. a silence or neutrality). Also: †to make it a habit (to do something) (obsolete). Cf. keep v. 23. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)] usec1300 maintain1384 observec1390 custom1392 practic?a1425 practise?c1430 frequent1485 to have in wonea1500 wont1530 trade1550 to make a practice of1722 the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for wortheOE to do worship to (also till, for)OE honourc1275 worshipc1300 to make feasta1325 to do (a person or thing) honourc1330 observec1390 reverencec1400 weigh1423 honourable1455 worthya1500 honorify1606 to rise up to (also unto)1621 the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > act habitually [verb (intransitive)] > be accustomed to do something willeOE wonc1000 haunta1400 customc1450 accustomc1475 use1533 wonta1547 practise1582 want1627 observea1629 c1390 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale 947 Wommen that obseruen chastitee moste be clene in herte. c1390 G. Chaucer Prioress's Tale 1821 This prouost dooth thise Iewes for to sterue That of this mordre wiste..He nolde no swich cursednesse obserue. c1453 (c1437) Brut (Harl. 53) 560 (MED) Kyng Henry lete arere ij tentes..where-in both þe Kynges myght trete apart..and þe astate of boþe Kynges observet and kept. 1496 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) sig. Cv ^v True relygyous men obseruynge theyr obedience. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 35/1 Brigette, whiche..professed and obserued a religious lyfe in Dertforde. 1543 ( Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) 214 (MED) The common weale aboue all thyng preferred..euery prince shuld se wer wel obserued. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 540 A care to observe humanitie and pietie. a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) xxix. 90 Against S. Andrews day..I observed (saith he) many yeares together, to invite two or three..preachers. 1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. ii. iv. 39 The Mutiners governed themselves in form of a Republick, observing a most exact discipline. 1716 J. Addison Freeholder No. 18. ⁋4 The present government..will so far observe this kind of Conduct, as to reduce [etc.]. 1743 W. Ellis Suppl. to London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) 271 Another who used to brew his strong Drink by only one Mashing,..observed to thrust down a good Handful of fresh Hops just over the Tapwhips. 1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xi. 311 Palmyra..was suffered to observe an humble neutrality. 1803 H. Card Hist. Revol. Russia 64 The Polovtsi took the imprudent resolution of observing a strict neutrality. 1843 G. W. Le Fevre Life Trav. Physician II. ii. vii. 260 The people observe a dead silence. 1854 J. H. Newman Lect. Hist. Turks iii. ii. 163 Othman observed the life of a Turcoman, till he became a conqueror. 1858 Biblical Repertory Jan. 139 These are hinge-questions upon which Mr. Brownson observes a prudent reticency. 1916 Amer. Jrnl. Internat. Law 10 772 Did Germany justify its traffic in murder tools when the United States appealed to her to observe a benevolent neutrality? 1992 Classic CD 25 May 21/3 At 14.06 Elgar observes a brief dramatic silence in the music. †b. transitive. To maintain intact or in good order; to preserve, retain. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve from decay, loss, or destruction savea1325 servea1375 conservea1413 observe?1440 support1495 powder1530 reserve1555 incorrupt1890 tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iv. 332 With water mynge vryne observed longe. 1478 in T. Thomson Acts Lords Auditors (1839) 61 Till obserue & warant the said landis of the Toftis as he aucht to do. 1529 in C. Innes Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) I. 396 Kepand and observand commond passage be the said brig..to all pepill. 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. iv. xxii. 71 The fatherly affection of Rome, which..your bishop not onely obserued, but also augmented. 1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 131 Thir armes we knawe evir his eftircumeris to haue obseruet. c1626 H. Bisset Rolment Courtis (1922) II. 271 That all the commoun guid..be observed and keiped to the commoun proffett. 2. a. transitive. To obey, abide by, or adhere to (a law, command, custom, covenant, promise, etc.); = keep v. 11. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)] behold971 i-haldOE yemec1000 usec1300 observec1391 savea1393 conservec1425 keep1479 the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)] yieldc825 behold971 hold971 keepc1000 at-holdc1175 takec1300 spare1387 observec1391 to stand by ——c1405 to stick by ——a1530 to stand to ——1537 c1391 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Bodl. 294) Prol. 72* (MED) My kinges heste schal nought falle That I, in hope to deserve His thonk, ne schal his wil observe. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 4214 Bothe kinde schal be served And ek the lawe of god observed. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) Prol. 286 (MED) Cupide [is] blynde, whos domys ben obseruyd More after lust than after equite. c1450 ( Nightingale (Calig.) 107 in O. Glauning Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1900) 19 (MED) Sle al tho that bien vnkynde And can of love the custom nat observe. 1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii. ix Good Children ought to obserue and kepe euer the comaundements of theyr good parents. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xxiii. f. xxxij Whatsoever they byd you observe, that observe and do. 1535 Act 27 Hen. VIII c. 26 §21 All suche Lawes..shalbe forever inviolably observed. 1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie i. iii. 52 A law naturall to be obserued by creatures. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 709 They..observe Circumcision. 1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 11 Observing the Laws and paying the Rights of the Countrie. 1703 M. Chudleigh Song of Three Children in Poems Several Occasions They still observ'd his Laws. 1781 J. Moore View Soc. Italy (1790) II. lxii. 222 I shall observe your prohibition not to refer you to any medical book. 1830 R. Hardie Hoyle made Familiar 72 The following [laws] are those observed at the Loo Clubs. 1884 A. R. Pennington Wiclif ix. 298 They declared that neither faith nor promise was to be observed to the detriment of the Catholic Church. 1914 ‘I. Hay’ Knight on Wheels xiii. § 3 They conformed to the rules,..observing the spirit rather than the letter of the law. 1991 in K. A. Stølen & M. Vaa Gender & Change in Developing Countries (1991) 54 We served uru and invited relatives. We had to observe this custom once she was circumcised. b. transitive. To adhere to or follow (a method, rule, precaution, or principle of action, esp. within a specific discipline). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)] > advice, method, or principle followOE to draw after ——c1175 pursuec1390 observec1475 c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 154 (MED) Obseruacioun of þe rulis þat schal be obserued..schal folowen in þe chapitre of helynge of enpostymes. 1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. xiv. sig. D In arguynge their cases..they do diligently obserue the rules of Confirmation and Confutation. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. iiii So that..he obseruyng the regyment that amongest the people was deuysed could..auoyde the..malyce of the sweate. 1582 R. Mulcaster 1st Pt. Elementarie xi. 55 I will first giue certain rules, to be obserued in reading and spelling. 1649 in S. Ree Rec. Elgin (1908) II. 432 The want off a richt method and way to be obserwed in teacheing. 1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. iv. 189 If you will seriously observe these short Directions..you shall never have your Expectation deceived. 1733 G. Berkeley Theory of Vision §xxxviii. 32 In considering the Theory of Vision, I observed a certain known Method. 1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. xv. p. clxxxvi It has been shewn what the rules are, which ought to be observed in adjusting the proportion between the punishment and the offence. 1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. iii. 39 The young man observed the precaution. 1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic xv. 129 In ordinary writing and speaking this rule is seldom observed. 1906 G. Saintsbury Hist. Eng. Prosody I. 270 He mainly observes the tetremimeral cæsura..very carefully. 1946 Happy Landings July 3/1 Correct use of air filters and observing precautions against dust during run up are matters for the pilot to remember. 1994 Independent on Sunday 12 June (Review Suppl.) 23/2 There are only two rules to be observed when casting the role of James Bond. 3. transitive. To perform or celebrate duly or in a prescribed manner (a rite, ceremony, etc.); to mark or acknowledge (a festival, anniversary, etc.); = keep v. 12. ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > observance, ritual > perform rite(s) [verb (transitive)] workOE servec1175 usea1250 solemnize1382 exercisea1400 observec1425 solennizec1440 officyc1443 officec1449 execute1450 solemn1483 celebratec1487 solemnizate1538 frequenta1555 to put upa1628 officiate1631 ceremony1635 liturgy1716 society > faith > worship > liturgical year > feast, festival > observe (feast, etc.) [verb (transitive)] hallow971 frelsc1000 looka1225 getec1390 keep1463 celebrate1531 observe1539 sanctify1604 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 2399 Out I roos of my bedde..Ful desyrous..To do to Loue some due observaunce..and duely oure rytis to obserue. c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 52 (MED) The paynemes..kepte their lawe som tyme..in gret reuerence obseruyng all the ceremonyes. 1539 T. Pery Let. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. II. 145 Commanding all hys..subjettes to upserve and keype all manner of holly sacrementes. 1564 Act 5 Eliz. c. 5 It shall not be lawfull..to eate any flesh vpon any dayes now vsually obserued as fish dayes. 1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iv. i. 131 No doubt, they rose vp earely, to obserue The right of May. View more context for this quotation 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 348 The day wherein he overthrew Seleucus, was solemnely observed every yeare amongst them. 1651 C. Cartwright Certamen Religiosum ii. 58 And the like also for the different manner of observing the Lent-fast in respect of the time. 1714 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus (ed. 3) I. i. i. 13 Whoever looks for the New Moon in the Astrological Calendar, will often find Easter observ'd a Week too late. 1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives I. 259 A chariot-race at Veii..was observed as usual. 1833 R. Choate Addr. (1878) 16 A score of Indian tribes..observed the rites of that bloody and horrible Paganism which formed their only religion. 1872 W. N. Molesworth Hist. Eng. II. 361 Among the other expedients that had been suggested in this convention [of Chartist delegates, 1838] was that of observing what was called a ‘sacred month’, during which the working classes..were to abstain from every kind of labour. 1902 B. T. Washington Up from Slavery xvi. 277 One of those numberless holidays which the people of those countries are in the habit of observing. 1938 Foreign Service Feb. 49/2 Every Post is urged to observe the anniversary of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in the harbor at Havana on February 15, 1898. 1991 A. M. Dershowitz Chutzpah v. 157 Joe Lipner..wears a Kippah, keeps kosher, and observes the Sabbath. †4. transitive. To treat with respect, worship, honour; to show respectful or courteous attention to (a person); to humour or gratify; to court. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for > pay respectful attention to observec1440 court1590 to make or pay (one's) court to1590 c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 5 Euer obserued Thi wurschip and wurthynes in olde age, That thow hast gretly had in thi first age. 1599 J. Davies Hymnes Astræa xvi. 16 No Spirit but takes thee for her Queene, And thinkes she must obserue thee. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 821 They which dwell on this River observe an Idoll of great note. a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. ii. 99 Must I obserue you? Must I stand and crouch Vnder your Testie Humour? View more context for this quotation 1642 H. Parker Observ. his Majesties Answers in Tracts on Liberty (1933) 208 Corrupted nature itself is to be soothed and observed. 1754 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison VII. xix. 107 Clementina loves to be punctiliously observed. II. To heed, pay attention to, watch, or notice. †5. transitive. To take care (to do something); to give heed to (a point); to ensure (that something be done). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > take care about [verb (transitive)] lookeOE heeda1225 recka1225 intendc1374 curec1384 observec1390 fandc1425 to see unto ——a1470 wake1525 regard1526 tend1549 study1557 foresee1565 beware1566 to have the care of1579 reckon1622 mind1740 the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > take care > to do something await?c1430 regard1535 to be surec1555 observe1611 consider1646 to look out1655 see1734 c1390 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale 429 That foule partie shewe they to the peple proudly, in despit of honestetee, which honestetee that Iesu Crist and hise frendes obseruede to shewen in hir lyue. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Cii .iiii. thynges be necssary to be vnderstanded and obserued of all them that entendeth to trauaile the same. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. iiii One poynte diligently..is to be obserued and attended, that he neuer put..foote out of y^e bed. 1611 Bible (King James) Deut. vi. 25 It shall be our righteousnes, if we obserue to doe all these Commandements. View more context for this quotation 1678 tr. A. de Courtin Rules Civility (rev. ed.) vi. 59 You must..observe to take a worse seat than his Lordship. 1707 W. Funnell Voy. round World vi. 164 Observe that you come not too near the Cape. 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §97 I took off..the most remarkable points,..observing to have one at each end..of each step. 6. †a. transitive. To watch over, look after, keep safe. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > take care of or look after yknowOE knowlOE to care forc1230 bihedec1250 beseec1300 to look to ——c1300 seea1325 await1393 observea1425 procurea1425 to look after ——1487 to take (also have) regard to (or of)a1500 regard1526 to see after ——1544 to look unto ——1545 attendc1572 to take care of1579 curea1618 tend1631 to look over ——1670 a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) 2024 He hym observe Fro trespas and..fro vilanye, And hym governe in curtesie. a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) ii. xii. 6 At the porchis..of Juno..stude..wardanys tway Forto observe and keip the spreth or pray. 1538 in J. Imrie et al. Burgh Court Bk. Selkirk (1960) 199 Ane schrine to obserf and keip our common seall, chartour [etc.]. 1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Acts xv. 36 Converted Souls and planted Churches, must be further visited, observed and watered. †b. transitive. To watch or examine by way of augury or divination; to take note of (presages or omens). Cf. observation n. 5d. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > augury, divination from omens > augur, divine from omens [verb (transitive)] > observe omens observea1450 observate1978 a1450 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe ii. §4 4 The ascendent sothly, as wel in alle nativites as in questions and eleccions of tymes, is a thing which that these astrologiens gretly observen. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 55/1 Yet hath it [sc. the stumbling of one's horse] ben of an olde rite & custome, obserued as a token..natably foregoing some great misfortune. 1611 Bible (King James) Lev. xix. 26 Neither shall ye vse inchantment, nor obserue [L. observabitis] times. View more context for this quotation 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 675 Which are great Witches, and observe entrals of sacrificed Beastes. 1718 Free-thinker No. 52. 2 As for the Occasions, upon which the Ancients had Recourse to Presages..it was judged requisite to observe Them, more especially in Entring upon any Undertaking. c. transitive. To watch attentively or carefully. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > watch or observe keepc1000 overseeOE waitc1300 advisec1325 awaita1375 to wait on ——c1384 markc1400 contemplec1429 to keep (also have) an (or one's) eye on (also upon)a1450 to look straitly to?c1450 to wait after ——c1460 vizy1488 contemplatea1533 vise1551 pry?1553 observe1567 eye1592 over-eye?1592 watch1600 outwatch1607 spell1633 superintend1654 under-watch1654 tent1721 evigilate1727 twig1764 stag1796 eye-serve1800 spy1806 deek1825 screw1905 clock1911 1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 98 The wickit dois obserue the Innocent, To seik to slay him with cruell intent. a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) ii. i. 44 Say to him I liue, and obserue his reports for me. View more context for this quotation 1717 tr. A. F. Frézier Voy. South-Sea 65 I observ'd them attentively..and did not..see one smiling Countenance among them. 1755 J. Smeaton in Philos. Trans. 1754 (Royal Soc.) 48 537 A third observed, by a seconds-watch, the time taken up in running these 357 feet. 1818 W. Scott Midlothian vi When the multitude arrived at Cowgate Port, they..made it fast, and left a small party to observe it. 1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 407 Edward..requires his ambassador to observe the young prince, and to inform himself of his character and disposition. 1884 Punch 5 Apr. 160/2 I fancy I was being ‘observed’, as they say on the Stage. a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) II. xvii. 410 She was reflectively observing the handsome, earnest face before her. 1955 O. Manning Doves of Venus ii. 10 He observed her critically. 2000 W. Self How Dead Live (2001) vi. 142 Lily stands by the Moot Hall observing an eyebrowless man who's pottering in his front garden. †d. intransitive. To make observations. With on, upon. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention > comment on note1607 observe1613 commenta1616 observea1616 remark1676 commentate1861 to pass a remark1899 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 245 Set on Thy wife to obserue . View more context for this quotation 1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. xxiii. 140 He that was sharp-sighted enough to see the Configuration of the minute Particles of the Spring of a Clock, and observe upon what peculiar Structure and Impulse, its elastick Motion depends, would no doubt discover something very admirable. 1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 216 You have seen and observed upon many courts of late. 1791 E. Burke Let. to Member National Assembly in Wks. (1823) VI. 32 He has not observed on the nature of vanity who does not know that it is omnivorous. e. transitive. Military. To watch (an enemy's positions, movements, etc.). Also intransitive. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (intransitive)] > reconnoitre akenc1400 scurry1580 reknowledge1582 reconnoitre1777 observe1799 spot1892 recce1943 shufti1943 recon1966 society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (transitive)] > reconnoitre (a place) reknowledge1582 reacknowledge1622 scout1704 reconnoitre1716 reconnaitre1765 observe1799 recce1943 recon1966 society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (transitive)] > reconnoitre (a place) > the enemy or his position discover1487 recognize1637 recognosce1637 reconnoitre1705 unmask1733 to feel for ——?1795 observe1853 spot1914 1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xi. 16 When Joab observed the city [ RSV as Joab was besieging the city] . View more context for this quotation] 1799 J. Floyd in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches (1877) 122 I was observing, with three regiments of cavalry, between the right flank of Colonel Wellesley and the left of General Harris. 1813 Examiner 3 May 274/2 The fortress..is..observed by some parties of Cossacks. 1835 A. Alison Hist. Europe during French Revol. IV. xxvii. 69 Froelich, with 6000 men, observed Coni. 1853 J. H. Stocqueler Mil. Encycl. 200/2 To observe the motions of an enemy is to keep a good look-out by means of intelligent and steady spies or scouts. 1976 R. Massey When I was Young xx. 142 I was observing on the night of the attack. I had a good view..but my perch in the half-timbered ruin was about as secure as a kite balloon. 1993 Soldier of Fortune Feb. 68/2 Pace..took up a fire position in the tall grass, calmly observing the enemy position. †7. transitive. To watch for in order to take advantage of (a suitable time, opportunity, etc.). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > an opportunity > give opportunity for [verb (transitive)] > look out for an opportunity to wait one's time1303 observe1541 watch1578 the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > an event or opportunity waita1400 to look for ——a1500 observe1541 watch1578 watch1831 1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance vi. f. 11 Obseruyng the tyme, he by lyttell and lyttell withdrewe hym into suche places. 1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance xxxviii. f. 92 Good diligence in obseruing the oportunity of tyme in sowyng & planting. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cix The byshop..for this cause made the league, obseruing the occasion of tyme. a1642 W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) v. 467/2 They must observe the Spring-Tides to come over the Barr. 8. a. transitive. To take note of or detect scientifically; to watch or examine methodically, esp. without experimental or therapeutic intervention; to perceive or learn by scientific inspection or measurement; (spec. in early use) to make an astronomical measurement of the altitude of a celestial object in order to ascertain latitude or longitude; to measure (an altitude) in this way. Cf. observation n. 7a. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > cosmology > science of observation > observe [verb (transitive)] > take altitude observe1559 society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > direct or manage ship [verb (intransitive)] > take a sight or observation observe1559 to shoot (also take) the sun?1574 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > systematic knowledge, science > make scientific [verb (transitive)] > observe observe1559 1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 162 I can with my..Quadrant, obserue the height of the sonne, and sterre, vntill that he come to the meridian. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ll2 As for..impostumations,..they ought to have beene exactly obserued by multitude of Anatomies. View more context for this quotation 1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 42 Obserue the height, that is, at twelue a clocke to take the height of the Sunne. 1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. iii. 126 You must observe with your Instrument the Angle CBA, and measure the Distance. 1714 T. Hearne Ductor Historicus (ed. 3) I. iii. 398 The Chaldæans..said, they had begun to observe the Stars 470000 Years before Alexander's Expedition thither. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 372 The Marquess of Worcester had recently observed the expansive power of moisture rarefied by heat. 1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) §63 Adding this to the height of the barometer which was observed at the same moment. 1922 J. J. Sudborough Bernthsen's Text-bk. Org. Chem. (new ed.) vi. 168 Fittig..has studied the action of dilute alkalis on a number of unsaturated acids, and always observed the same effect. 1968 Brit. Jrnl. Psychiatry 114 943/1 They suggest that disagreements on psychiatric diagnoses arise, not so much from theoretical differences, as from differences in the mind of a psychiatrist as he observes a patient and mentally weighs the importance of the behavioural characteristics he sees. 1979 Nature 16 Aug. 570/2 Radio waves generated at altitudes above 5–10 solar radii in the outer corona can be observed only from above the ionosphere. 1992 Astron. Now July 12/1 NASA announced plans to place 16 small landers on Mars by the year 2003 to test the planet's soil, rocks and to observe its weather. b. intransitive in same sense. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > cosmology > science of observation > observe [verb (intransitive)] > take altitude observe1762 1762 Philos. Trans. 1761 (Royal Soc.) 52 185 In taking altitudes, I always observe, when the sun, or other celestial body, is as near the prime vertical, or east and west azimuth, as possible. 1823 Lancet 19 Oct. 77/2 We should observe first, and think afterwards. 1854 J. R. Bartlett Personal Narr. Explor. & Incidents I. xvi. 373 Lieutenant Whipple observed here, and found the latitude to be 32°08′43″, longitude 109°24′33″. 1879 W. Thomson & P. G. Tait Treat. Nat. Philos. (new ed.) I: Pt. i. §369 When, as in astronomy, we endeavour to ascertain these causes by simply watching their effects, we observe; when, as in our laboratories, we interfere arbitrarily with the causes or circumstances of a phenomenon, we are said to experiment. 1956 K. M. Bell Some Useful Hints Pract. Surv. (Assoc. Engin. & Shipbuilding Draughtsmen) 18 When the vertical circle of the theodolite is to the left when observing, we are said to be reading ‘Face Left’ and when the circle is on the right, we are reading ‘Face Right.’ 9. a. transitive. To take notice of, be conscious of; to notice, perceive, see. Frequently with that-clause as object. Also intransitive. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] seeOE to see with (also at) eyeOE yseeOE bihowec1000 ofseeOE thorough-seeOE beholdc1175 bihedec1275 heedc1275 witec1320 conceivea1398 observe1560 view?1570 eye1582 oculate1609 survey1615 snilch1676 deek1825 peep1954 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] > pay due or particular attention to acknowledge?1526 regard1526 observe1560 advise?1567 distinguish1607 follow1824 to tip one's hat (or cap)1975 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > observe, note [verb (transitive)] markc1175 note?c1225 heedc1275 apperceivec1300 spyc1380 notec1390 notac1392 registera1393 considerc1400 notifya1425 animadvert?a1475 mind1490 adnote1558 observe1560 quote1560 remark1581 to take note1600 apprehenda1634 to take cognizance of1635 animadverse1642 notice1660 to pass in review1697 smoke1716 cognize1821 spot1848 looky1900 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclxxxv The Sunne loked pale and dimme,..And this was not obserued in Germany only, but also in Fraunce & England. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ll1 If men will intend to obserue, they shall finde much worthy to obserue. View more context for this quotation 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 223 King Henry..obseruing simplicitie in the Messingers deliuery. 1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. ii. 32 This every one observes to be the general Course of things. 1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric I. x. 200 We remark, in the way of attention, in order to remember; we observe, in the way of examination, in order to judge. 1793 W. Cowper Let. 6 Sept. (1984) IV. 390 Hearing the Hall clock, I observed a great difference between that and ours. 1805 M. Lewis Jrnl. 20 Aug. in Jrnls. Lewis & Clark Exped. (1988) V. 126 I have also observed some robes among them of beaver, moonax, and small wolves. a1855 J. Eagles Sketcher (1856) viii. 200 I am not, observe, here saying one is preferable to another. 1881 T. Hardy Laodicean I. ii. i. 254 At last he observed the white waistcoat of the man he sought. 1940 H. G. Wells Babes in Darkling Wood i. ii. 51 He seemed to be seeing something that had always been under his eyes but which he had never clearly observed before. 1987 T. Wolfe Bonfire of Vanities (1988) v. 125 You will also observe that I do not have eyes in the back of my head. †b. transitive. To pay attention to or mark the words of (a person). Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1645 W. Laud Speech 10 Jan. 13 I beseech you, as many as are within hearing, observe me, I was borne and baptized in the bosome of the Church of England. 1775 R. B. Sheridan Rivals i. ii Mrs. Mal. Observe me, Sir Anthony. I would by no means wish a daughter of mine to be a progeny of learning. 10. a. transitive. To say by way of comment; to remark or mention in speech or writing. Frequently with that-clause or direct speech as object. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > remark or observe speakc888 observe1605 observe1616 remark1666 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ggg4^v Your Maiestie doth excellently well obserue, that Witch-craft is the height of Idolatry. View more context for this quotation 1646 J. Hall Horæ Vacivæ 172 Tis handsomely observed, that the maine of other Religions never gained by Christianity. 1716 J. Addison Free-holder No. 22. ⁋2 My Fellow-Traveller, upon this, observed to me, there had been no good Weather since the Revolution. 1790 New Ann. Reg. 1789 Brit. & Foreign Hist. 167/2 Mr. Pitt introduced it [sc. the subject] by observing, that tobacco was now to be considered as the smuggler's staple. 1833 H. Martineau Charmed Sea i. 3 ‘You will not cross the testy sea to-night,’ observed one of the peasants. 1869 ‘M. Twain’ Innocents Abroad xxxiii. 357 It has been observed by ancient writers that the second bridge was a very good bridge. 1922 V. Woolf Jacob's Room ii. 23 She observed to Mrs. Page next door that Mrs. Flanders was in the orchard with the chickens. 1954 I. Murdoch Under Net iv. 57 As they observed in the prospectus, few people can tolerate complete solitude. 2001 N.Y. Times Mag. 24 June 50/1 ‘She don't care,’ he observes. †b. intransitive. To make a remark or verbal observation, to comment on or upon. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention > comment on note1607 observe1613 commenta1616 observea1616 remark1676 commentate1861 to pass a remark1899 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 120 Scaliger thus observeth concerning the Iewish yeare. The Iewes (saith he) use [etc.]. 1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 23 Not only the surface but the inward bowels of the Earth (as Sir Fran. Bacon observes). 1717 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) III. 39 It was moved that they should be read, for the members of Council to observe upon them. 1827 R. H. Froude Remains (1838) I. 453 I will make my meals as simple as I can, without being observed on. 1883 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 11 527 These matters I thought it necessary to observe upon. †c. transitive. To remark or make observations on. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > remark or observe speakc888 observe1605 observe1616 remark1666 1616 B. Jonson Epigrammes cx, in Wks. I. 804 Caesar's Commentaries obserued, and translated. 1709 F. Atterbury Serm. St. Brigit's 23 His Compassion and Benignity towards little Children is observ'd by all the Evangelists. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.1660v.c1390
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