—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.
To be or become aware of, especially through careful and directed attention; notice.
To watch attentively: observe a child's behavior.
To make a systematic or scientific observation of: observe the orbit of the moon.
To say casually; remark.
To adhere to or abide by: observe the terms of a contract.
To keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example): observe an anniversary.
v.
intr.
To take notice.
To say something; make a comment or remark.
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.
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.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of; "She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water"; "We found traces of lead in the paint" [syn: detect]
2.
make mention of; "She observed that his presentation took up too much time"; "They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing" [syn: note]
3.
observe with care or pay close attention to; "Take note of this chemical reaction" [syn: note]
4.
watch attentively; "Please observe the reaction of these two chemicals"
5.
show respect towards; "honor your parents!" [syn: respect] [ant: disrespect]
6.
behave as expected during of holidays or rites; "Keep the commandments"; "celebrate Christmas"; "Observe Yom Kippur"
7.
follow with the eyes or the mind; "Keep an eye on the baby, please!"; "The world is watching Sarajevo"; "She followed the men with the binoculars" [syn: watch]
8.
stick to correctly or closely; "The pianist kept time with the metronome"; "keep count"; "I cannot keep track of all my employees"
9.
conform one's action or practice to; "keep appointments"; "she never keeps her promises"; "We kept to the original conditions of the contract" [ant: breach]
Ob*serv"ant\, a. [L. observans, -anits, p. pr. of observare: cf. F. observant. See Observe.]1. Taking notice; viewing or noticing attentively; watchful; attentive; as, an observant spectator; observant habits. Wandering from clime to clime observant stray'd. --Pope. 2. Submissively attentive; obediently watchful; regardful; mindful; obedient (to); -- with of, as, to be observant of rules. We are told how observant Alexander was of his master Aristotle. --Sir K. Digby.
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