ob·serv·ant

[uhb-zur-vuhnt]
adjective
1.
quick to notice or perceive; alert.
2.
looking at, watching, or regarding attentively; watchful.
3.
careful in the observing of a law, custom, religious ritual, or the like.
noun
4.
an observer of law or rule.
5.
(initial capital letter) . Also, Ob·ser·van·tine [ob-zur-vuhn-tin, -teen] . a member of a Franciscan order that observes the strict rule of St. Francis.
00:10
Observant is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

Origin:
1425–75; late Middle English < French, present participle of observer. See observe, -ant

ob·serv·ant·ly, adverb
un·ob·serv·ant, adjective
un·ob·serv·ant·ly, adverb


1. perceptive. 2. attentive, heedful, mindful, aware. 3. obedient.


1. dull, slow. 2. heedless.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
observant (əbˈzɜːvənt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adj
1.  paying close attention to detail; watchful or heedful
2.  adhering strictly to rituals, ceremonies, laws, etc
 
ob'servantly
 
adv

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

observant
c.1600, from Fr. observant, pp. of observer (see observance). In reference to Judaism, from 1902.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Remain calm but be as alert and observant as possible.
Employees and employers should remain alert and observant.
Ability to remain alert, observant, and physically able to respond to work
  situations and emergencies.
His experiments in pure science mark him as patient, observant, and logical to
  an unusual degree.
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