Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense observes, present participle observing, past tense, past participle observed
1. verb
If you observe a person or thing, you watch them carefully, especially in order to learn something about them.
Stern also studies and observes the behaviour of babies. [VERB noun]
Are there any classes I could observe? [VERB noun]
Our sniper teams observed them manning an anti-aircraft gun. [VERB noun verb-ing]
Synonyms: watch, study, view, look at More Synonyms of observe
2. verb
If you observe someone or something, you see or notice them.
[formal]
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: notice, see, note, mark More Synonyms of observe
3. verb
If you observe that something is the case, you make a remark or comment about it, especially when it is something you havenoticed and thought about a lot.
[formal]
When he spoke, it was to observe that the world was full of criminals. [VERB that]
'He is a fine young man,' observed Stephen. [VERB with quote]
4. verb
If you observe something such as a law or custom, you obey it or follow it.
Imposing speed restrictions is easy, but forcing motorists to observe them is trickier. [VERB noun]
The army was observing a ceasefire. [VERB noun]
American forces are observing Christmas quietly. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: comply with, keep, follow, mind More Synonyms of observe
More Synonyms of observe
observe in British English
(əbˈzɜːv)
verb
1. (tr; may take a clause as object)
to see; perceive; notice
I observed that he was trembling
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. (whenintr, usually foll by on or upon; when tr, may take a clause as object)
to make a comment or remark
the speaker observed that times had changed
5. (transitive)
to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)
Derived forms
observable (obˈservable)
adjective
observableness (obˈservableness) or observability (obˌservaˈbility)
noun
observably (obˈservably)
adverb
Word origin
C14: via Old French from Latin observāre, from ob- to + servāre to watch
observe in American English
(əbˈzɜrv)
verb transitiveWord forms: obˈserved or obˈserving
1.
to adhere to, follow, keep, or abide by (a law, custom, duty, rule, etc.)
2.
to celebrate or keep (a holiday, etc.) according to custom
3.
a.
to notice or perceive (something)
b.
to pay special attention to
4.
to arrive at as a conclusion after study
5.
to say or mention casually; remark
6.
to examine and study scientifically
verb intransitive
7.
to take notice
8.
to comment or remark (on or upon)
9.
to act as an observer
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈceleˌbrate, disˈcern
Derived forms
observingly (obˈservingly)
adverb
Word origin
ME observen < OFr observer < L observare, to watch, note < ob- (see ob-) + servare, to keep or hold < IE base *ser-, to watch over, guard > Sans haraiti, (he) guards
Examples of 'observe' in a sentence
observe
Watch and observe the changing shapes of the clouds.
The Sun (2017)
Ten new little ones arrive at the play centre to have their behaviour observed as the loveable series continues.
The Sun (2016)
There are some interesting customs to observe when coming on as a substitute.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The way to tell if your pet is emotionally unwell is to observe their behaviour.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Carefully observe the surface of the cat you are drawing.
Bennett, Darren Learn to Draw Cats (1999)
Germany observes strict privacy laws and the testing has alarmed civil rights campaigners.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The behaviour was observed by a boat crew and recorded using tagging devices.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Consider how much observed behaviour my hypothesis explains.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It is normal when you export from one country to another to observe the laws of the other country!
The Sun (2016)
It was a law universally observed.
Aldiss, Brian Somewhere East of Life (1994)
We also modify our behaviour by observing the behaviour of those around us and by becoming influenced by social expectations and values.
Knowles, Jane Know Your Own Mind (1991)
He spent much time watching and observing, working out how to improve discipline.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Everything they do will be observed and commented upon - from school grades to how they wear their hair.
The Sun (2009)
He watched, observing as she picked up a fork that her nails showed the same glint as her hair.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He loved watching and observing.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This continues into adulthood, when we wear the colours of our football team and observe the customs of a religious group.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Generally, you can get the shot you want within three or four frames if you know how to compose it and observe carefully first.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The Sun has been observed carefully since the Renaissance.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
I sat at the back of his court for the day, observing the cases that came before him and the way advocacy was conducted.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
observe
British English: observe /əbˈzɜːv/ VERB
If you observe someone or something, you watch them carefully.
The professor observed the behaviour of babies.
American English: observe
Arabic: يُلَاحِظُ
Brazilian Portuguese: observar
Chinese: 观察
Croatian: promatrati
Czech: pozorovat
Danish: observere
Dutch: observeren
European Spanish: observar
Finnish: tarkkailla
French: observer
German: beobachten
Greek: παρατηρώ
Italian: osservare
Japanese: 観察する
Korean: 관찰하다
Norwegian: observere
Polish: zauważyć
European Portuguese: observar
Romanian: a observa
Russian: наблюдать
Latin American Spanish: observar
Swedish: observera
Thai: สังเกต
Turkish: gözlemlemek
Ukrainian: спостерігати
Vietnamese: quan sát
Chinese translation of 'observe'
observe
(əbˈzəːv)
vt
(= watch) 观(觀)察 (guānchá)
(frm, = notice) 注意到 (zhùyì dào)
(= comment) 评(評)论(論) (pínglùn)
(= abide by)[rule, convention]遵守 (zūnshǒu)
to observe that ... 评(評)述说(說) ... (píngshù shuō ... )
1 (verb)
Definition
to watch (something) carefully
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
Synonyms
watch
The man was standing in the doorway watching him.
study
Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.
view
The mourners filed past to view the body.
look at
note
check
Check the accuracy of every detail in your CV.
Get a mechanic to check the car out for you before you buy it.
regard
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
survey
He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.
monitor
Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting.
contemplate
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
check out (informal)
look on
keep an eye on (informal)
gaze at
pay attention to
keep track of
scrutinize
keep tabs on (informal)
recce (slang)
keep under observation
watch like a hawk
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
2 (verb)
Definition
to see or notice
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
Synonyms
notice
People should not hesitate to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious.
see
I saw a man making his way towards me.
note
Suddenly I noted that the rain had stopped.
mark
Mark my words. He won't last.
discover
As he discovered, she had a brilliant mind.
spot
He left the party seconds before smoke was spotted coming up the stairs.
regard
witness
Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to contact the police.
clock (British, slang)
distinguish
He could distinguish voices.
perceive
I perceived a number of changes.
detect
He could detect a certain sadness in her face.
discern
Under the bridge we could just discern a shadowy figure.
behold (archaic, literary)
The garden was a joy to behold.
eye
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
eyeball (slang)
peer at
espy
She espied him in the far distance.
get a load of (informal)
3 (verb)
Definition
to remark
`I like your hair that way,' he observed.
Synonyms
remark
I remarked that I would go shopping that afternoon.
say
She said she was very impressed.
comment
Stuart commented that this was very true.
state
Clearly state your address and telephone number.
note
The report noted a sharp drop in new cases.
reflect
mention
She did not mention her mother's absence.
declare
opine (formal)
`He's probably just tired,' she opined.
pass comment
animadvert
4 (verb)
Definition
to keep (a law or custom)
Forcing motorists to observe speed restrictions is difficult.
Synonyms
comply with
keep
I'm hoping you'll keep your promise to come for a long visit.
follow
Take care to follow the instructions.
mind
You mind what I say now!
respect
It's about time they respected the law.
perform
people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery
carry out
honour
He had failed to honour his word.
fulfil
All the necessary conditions were fulfilled.
discharge
the quiet competence with which he discharged his many duties
obey
The commander refused to obey an order.
heed
Few people at the conference heeded her warning.
conform to
adhere to
All members adhere to a strict code of practice.
abide by
Opposites
miss
,
ignore
,
overlook
,
neglect
,
violate
,
omit
,
disregard
5 (verb)
Definition
to keep (a law or custom)
We are observing Christmas quietly this year.
Synonyms
celebrate
Tom celebrated his birthday two days ago.
keep
My father never kept the Sabbath and I never did either.
commemorate
mark
Thousands of people took to the streets to mark the occasion.
remember
He is remembered for being bad at games.
participate in
solemnize
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adhere to
All members adhere to a strict code of practice.
Synonyms
follow,
keep,
maintain,
respect,
observe,
be true,
fulfil,
obey,
heed,
keep to,
abide by,
be loyal,
mind,
be constant,
be faithful
in the sense of behold
Definition
to look (at)
The garden was a joy to behold.
Synonyms
look at,
see,
view,
eye,
consider,
study,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
examine,
observe,
perceive,
gaze,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
inspect,
discern,
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
recce (slang),
get a load of (informal),
take a gander at (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
feast your eyes upon
in the sense of check
Definition
to examine, investigate, or make an inquiry into
Check the accuracy of every detail in your CV.Get a mechanic to check the car out for you before you buy it.
Synonyms
examine,
test,
study,
look at,
research,
note,
confirm,
investigate,
monitor,
probe,
tick,
vet,
inspect,
look over,
verify,
work over,
scrutinize,
make sure of,
inquire into,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
parse
Synonyms of 'observe'
observe
Explore 'observe' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of commemorate
Synonyms
observe,
keep,
solemnize
in the sense of comment
Definition
to remark or express an opinion
Stuart commented that this was very true.
Synonyms
remark,
say,
note,
mention,
point out,
observe,
utter,
opine,
interpose,
animadvert
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to look at thoughtfully
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at,
examine,
observe,
check out (informal),
inspect,
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye up,
view,
study,
regard,
survey,
stare at,
scrutinize,
eye
in the sense of detect
Definition
to perceive or notice
He could detect a certain sadness in her face.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
spot,
catch,
note,
identify,
observe,
remark,
recognize,
distinguish,
perceive,
scent,
discern,
ascertain,
descry
in the sense of discern
Definition
to see or be aware of (something) clearly
Under the bridge we could just discern a shadowy figure.
Synonyms
see,
perceive,
make out,
notice,
observe,
recognize,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch sight of,
suss (out) (slang),
espy,
descry
in the sense of discharge
Definition
to meet the demands of (a duty or responsibility)
the quiet competence with which he discharged his many duties
Synonyms
carry out,
perform,
fulfil,
accomplish,
do,
effect,
realize,
observe,
implement,
execute,
carry through
in the sense of discover
Definition
to learn about for the first time
As he discovered, she had a brilliant mind.
Synonyms
find out,
see,
learn,
reveal,
spot,
determine,
notice,
realize,
recognize,
perceive,
detect,
disclose,
uncover,
discern,
ascertain,
suss (out) (slang),
get wise to (informal)
in the sense of distinguish
Definition
to make out by hearing, seeing, or tasting
He could distinguish voices.
Synonyms
make out,
identify,
recognize,
perceive,
know,
see,
tell,
spot,
glimpse,
pick out,
discern
in the sense of espy
Definition
to catch sight of
She espied him in the far distance.
Synonyms
catch sight of,
see,
discover,
spot,
notice,
sight,
observe,
spy,
perceive,
detect,
glimpse,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch a glimpse of,
descry
in the sense of eye
Definition
to look at carefully or warily
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at,
view,
study,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
clock (British, slang),
observe,
stare at,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
inspect,
glance at,
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
peruse,
get a load of (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
have or take a look at
Additional synonyms
in the sense of follow
Definition
to act in accordance with
Take care to follow the instructions.
Synonyms
obey,
observe,
comply with,
adhere to,
mind,
watch,
note,
regard,
stick to,
heed,
conform to,
keep to,
pay attention to,
be guided by,
toe the line,
act according to,
act in accordance with,
give allegiance to
in the sense of fulfil
Definition
to satisfy (demands or conditions)
All the necessary conditions were fulfilled.
Synonyms
comply with,
meet,
fill,
satisfy,
observe,
obey,
conform to,
answer
in the sense of heed
Definition
to pay close attention to (a warning or piece of advice)
Few people at the conference heeded her warning.
Synonyms
pay attention to,
listen to,
take notice of,
follow,
mark,
mind,
consider,
note,
regard,
attend,
observe,
obey,
bear in mind,
be guided by,
take to heart,
give ear to
in the sense of honour
Definition
to keep (one's promise)
He had failed to honour his word.
Synonyms
fulfil,
keep,
carry out,
observe,
discharge,
live up to,
be true to,
be as good as (informal),
be faithful to
in the sense of keep
Definition
to be faithful to (something)
I'm hoping you'll keep your promise to come for a long visit.
Synonyms
comply with,
carry out,
honour,
fulfil,
hold,
follow,
mind,
respect,
observe,
respond to,
embrace,
execute,
obey,
heed,
conform to,
adhere to,
abide by,
act upon
in the sense of keep
Definition
to observe (a religious festival) with rites or ceremonies
My father never kept the Sabbath and I never did either.
Synonyms
honour,
mark,
respect,
celebrate,
observe,
acknowledge,
recognize,
commemorate,
ritualize,
solemnize,
perform
in the sense of mark
Definition
to observe or notice
Mark my words. He won't last.
Synonyms
observe,
mind,
note,
regard,
notice,
attend to,
pay attention to,
pay heed to,
hearken to (archaic)
in the sense of mark
Definition
to celebrate or commemorate an occasion or its anniversary
Thousands of people took to the streets to mark the occasion.
Synonyms
celebrate,
honour,
observe,
keep,
remember,
acknowledge,
recognize,
salute,
commemorate,
pay tribute to,
memorialize,
solemnize
in the sense of mention
Definition
to refer to or speak about briefly or incidentally
She did not mention her mother's absence.
Synonyms
refer to,
point out,
acknowledge,
bring up,
state,
report,
reveal,
declare,
cite,
communicate,
disclose,
intimate,
tell of,
recount,
hint at,
impart,
allude to,
divulge,
broach,
call attention to,
make known,
touch upon,
adduce,
speak about or of
in the sense of mind
Definition
to pay attention to
You mind what I say now!
Synonyms
pay attention to,
follow,
mark,
watch,
note,
regard,
respect,
notice,
attend to,
listen to,
observe,
comply with,
obey,
heed,
adhere to,
take heed of,
pay heed to
Additional synonyms
in the sense of monitor
Definition
to observe or record the condition or performance of a person or thing
Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting.
Synonyms
check,
follow,
record,
watch,
survey,
observe,
scan,
oversee,
supervise,
keep an eye on,
keep track of,
keep tabs on
in the sense of note
Definition
to notice
Suddenly I noted that the rain had stopped.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
observe,
perceive
in the sense of note
Definition
to remark upon
The report noted a sharp drop in new cases.
Synonyms
mention,
record,
mark,
indicate,
register,
remark,
denote
in the sense of obey
Definition
to carry out instructions or orders
The commander refused to obey an order.
Synonyms
carry out,
follow,
perform,
respond to,
implement,
fulfil,
execute,
discharge,
act upon,
carry through
in the sense of opine
Definition
to hold or express an opinion
`He's probably just tired,' she opined.
Synonyms
suggest,
say,
think,
believe,
judge,
suppose,
declare,
conclude,
venture,
volunteer,
imply,
intimate,
presume,
conjecture,
surmise,
ween (poetic),
give as your opinion
in the sense of perceive
Definition
to become aware of (something) through the senses
I perceived a number of changes.
Synonyms
see,
notice,
note,
identify,
discover,
spot,
observe,
remark,
recognize,
distinguish,
glimpse,
make out,
pick out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch sight of,
espy,
descry
in the sense of perform
Definition
to carry out (an action)
people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery
Synonyms
do,
achieve,
carry out,
effect,
complete,
satisfy,
observe,
fulfil,
accomplish,
execute,
bring about,
pull off,
act out,
transact
in the sense of regard
Definition
to look closely or attentively at (something or someone)
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
Synonyms
look at,
view,
eye,
watch,
observe,
check,
notice,
clock (British, slang),
remark,
check out (informal),
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (US, slang),
scrutinize,
get a load of (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of remember
Definition
to commemorate
He is remembered for being bad at games.
Synonyms
look back (on),
celebrate,
salute,
commemorate,
pay tribute to
in the sense of respect
Definition
to pay proper attention or consideration to
It's about time they respected the law.
Synonyms
abide by,
follow,
observe,
comply with,
obey,
heed,
keep to,
adhere to
Additional synonyms
in the sense of say
Definition
to express (an idea) in words
She said she was very impressed.
Synonyms
state,
declare,
remark,
add,
announce,
maintain,
mention,
assert,
affirm,
asseverate (formal)
in the sense of see
Definition
to look at or recognize with the eyes
I saw a man making his way towards me.
Synonyms
perceive,
note,
spot,
notice,
mark,
view,
eye,
check,
regard,
identify,
sight,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
observe,
recognize,
distinguish,
glimpse,
check out (informal),
make out,
heed,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
catch a glimpse of,
catch sight of,
espy,
get a load of (slang),
descry,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
lay or clap eyes on (informal)
in the sense of spot
Definition
to see (something or someone) suddenly
He left the party seconds before smoke was spotted coming up the stairs.
Synonyms
see,
observe,
catch sight of,
identify,
sight,
recognize,
detect,
make out,
pick out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
espy,
descry
in the sense of state
Definition
to express (something) in words
Clearly state your address and telephone number.
Synonyms
say,
report,
declare,
specify,
put,
present,
explain,
voice,
express,
assert,
utter,
articulate,
affirm,
expound,
enumerate,
propound,
aver,
asseverate (formal)
in the sense of study
Definition
to look at (something or someone) closely
Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.
Synonyms
examine,
survey,
look at,
scrutinize,
peruse
in the sense of survey
Definition
to view or consider (something) as a whole
He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.
Synonyms
look over,
view,
scan,
examine,
observe,
contemplate,
supervise,
inspect,
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
size up,
take stock of,
eye up,
recce (slang),
reconnoitre
in the sense of view
Definition
to look at
The mourners filed past to view the body.
Synonyms
look at,
see,
inspect,
gaze at,
eye,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
examine,
observe,
explore,
stare at,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
gawp at,
recce (slang),
get a load of (informal),
spectate,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of witness
Definition
to see, be present at, or know at first hand
Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to contact the police.