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Observe

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ob⋅serve

  [uhb-zurv] verb, -served, -serv⋅ing.
Use Observe in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice: He observed the passersby in the street.
2. to regard with attention, esp. so as to see or learn something: I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.
3. to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose: to observe an eclipse.
4. to state by way of comment; remark: He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.
5. to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc.: You must observe quiet.
6. to obey, comply with, or conform to: to observe laws.
7. to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc.: to observe Palm Sunday.
8. to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
9. to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.
–verb (used without object)
10. to notice.
11. to act as an observer.
12. to remark or comment (usually fol. by on or upon).
Origin:
1350–1400; ME observen < MF observer < L observāre to watch, regard, attend to, equiv. to ob- ob- + servāre to keep, save, pay heed to

Related forms:
ob⋅serv⋅ed⋅ly  [uhb-zur-vid-lee] , adverb
ob⋅serv⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. note. Observe, witness imply paying strict attention to what one sees or perceives. Both are “continuative” in action. To observe is to mark or be attentive to something seen, heard, etc.; to consider carefully; to watch steadily: to observe the behavior of birds, a person's pronunciation. To witness, formerly to be present when something was happening, has added the idea of having observed with sufficient care to be able to give an account as evidence: to witness an accident. 4. mention, say. 6. follow, fulfill. 7. celebrate, keep.

Antonyms:
1–3, 6–8. ignore.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ob·serve   (əb-zûrv')   
v.   ob·served, ob·serv·ing, ob·serves

v.   tr.

  1. To be or become aware of, especially through careful and directed attention; notice.

  2. To watch attentively: observe a child's behavior.

  3. To make a systematic or scientific observation of: observe the orbit of the moon.

  4. To say casually; remark.

  5. To adhere to or abide by: observe the terms of a contract.

  6. To keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example): observe an anniversary.

v.   intr.

  1. To take notice.

  2. To say something; make a comment or remark.

  3. To watch or be present without participating actively: We were invited to the conference solely to observe.


[Middle English observen, to conform to, from Old French observer, from Latin observāre, to abide by, watch : ob-, over; see ob- + servāre, to keep, watch; see ser-1 in Indo-European roots.]
ob·serv'ing·ly adv.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to give proper heed to or show proper reverence for something, such as a rule, custom, or holiday. Observe stresses compliance or respectful adherence to that which is prescribed: observe the speed limit; observe the Sabbath.
Keep implies actions such as the discharge of a duty or the fulfillment of a promise: keep one's word; keep personal commitments.
Celebrate emphasizes observance in the form of rejoicing or festivity: a surprise party to celebrate her birthday.
To commemorate is to honor the memory of a past event: a ceremony that commemorated the career of a physician. Solemnize implies dignity and gravity in the celebration of an occasion: solemnized the funeral with a 21-gun salute. See Also Synonyms at see1.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

observe 
c.1386, "to hold to" (a manner of life or course of conduct), from O.Fr. observer, from L. observare "watch over, look to, attend to, guard," from ob "over" + servare "to watch, keep safe," from PIE base *ser- "to protect." Meaning "to attend to in practice, to keep, follow" is attested from 1390. Sense of "watch, perceive, notice" is c.1560, via notion of "see and note omens." Meaning "to say by way of remark" is from 1605.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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