Pronunciation

/əbˈzɜːrv/

Definitions

• Verb (v): To watch or perceive attentively; to notice or detect something through one’s senses, especially sight. For example: “The scientists observed the behavior of the animals.”
  • Also Verb (legal): To comply with or abide by a law, rule, or agreement. Example: “All participants must observe the terms of the contract.”
• Noun (n): An act of observing or watching; a comment or assessment based on what one has seen, heard, or noticed. Example: “Her observations were crucial to solving the case.”

Phrases

• “Make an observation” means to notice and point out something.
• “Keep under observation” means to monitor someone or something continuously.
• “Observation deck” is a platform where people can safely view a scene, often from a high elevation like in a building or stadium.
• “To observe a moment of silence” is to remain silent for a period to show respect or remembrance.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The astronomer carefully observed the stars through his telescope.”
• Noun: “Based on her careful observations, the botanist was able to classify the new species.”

Synonyms

• Watch
• Notice
• See
• Witness
• Monitor
• Observe attentively
• Inspect
• Perceive
• Detect
• Behold
• Remark
• Note
• Comply (when used in a legal context)