observe
to see, watch, perceive, or notice: He observed the passersby in the street.
to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something: I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.
to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose: to observe an eclipse.
to state by way of comment; remark: He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.
to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc.:You must observe quiet.
to obey, comply with, or conform to: to observe laws.
to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc.: to observe Palm Sunday.
to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.
to notice.
to act as an observer.
to remark or comment (usually followed by on or upon).
Origin of observe
1synonym study For observe
Other words for observe
Opposites for observe
Other words from observe
- ob·serv·ed·ly [uhb-zur-vid-lee], /əbˈzɜr vɪd li/, adverb
- ob·serv·ing·ly, adverb
- non·ob·serv·ing, adjective
- non·ob·serv·ing·ly, adverb
- pre·ob·serve, verb (used with object), pre·ob·served, pre·ob·serv·ing.
- qua·si-ob·served, adjective
- re·ob·serve, verb, re·ob·served, re·ob·serv·ing.
- self-ob·served, adjective
- un·ob·served, adjective
- un·ob·serv·ing, adjective
- well-ob·served, adjective
Words Nearby observe
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use observe in a sentence
We paddled out to where a knot of other kayakers were observing a humpback and her calf, which occasionally poked its head above water.
Five telescopes in space observed the flare on April 15, 2020.
Exploding neutron star proves to be energy standout of the cosmos | Lisa Grossman | February 12, 2021 | Science News For StudentsAfter observing the sky from Palomar Observatory in California for 17 months, De and colleagues detected 12 nova explosions.
The number of Milky Way nova explosions per year has been pinned down | Ken Croswell | February 12, 2021 | Science NewsThe officer statement recalls Springsteen “visibly swaying back and forth” when the officer observed his eyes, and taking “45 total steps instead of the instructed 18” during what’s known as a walk and turn test.
Bruce Springsteen’s Super Bowl Jeep commercial pulled after news of singer’s DWI arrest | Bethonie Butler | February 11, 2021 | Washington PostFor many, providing seed and observing wild birds represents a rare pleasure during the pandemic.
Your dirty bird feeder could be spreading disease | Melissa Hart | February 9, 2021 | Washington Post
Photos: Fury at the Ferguson Decision I had yet to be born to observe the events of Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965.
Justice Was Served in Ferguson—This Isn’t Jim Crow America | Ron Christie | November 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTGays observe hetero-excitement over the lumbersexual with a weary eyeroll.
How Straight World Stole ‘Gay’: The Last Gasp of the ‘Lumbersexual’ | Tim Teeman | November 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTInstead, astronomers hope to observe planet formation in all its stages, each marking a phase in star and planet birth.
The Most Stunning View Ever of Planets Being Born | Matthew R. Francis | November 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSome supporters keep pace, and others trail behind walking, there to observe Booker in the flesh more than for the cardio.
The Ugly Truth About Cory Booker, New Jersey’s Golden Boy | Olivia Nuzzi | October 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMitchell said the cameras give administrators the ability to observe teachers in action and offer them tips and coaching.
At This Creepy Libertarian Charter School, Kids Must Swear ‘to Be Obedient to Those in Authority’ | ProPublica | October 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMany so-called "humming tones" are given for practice, but in accepting them observe whether the foregoing principle is obeyed.
Expressive Voice Culture | Jessie Eldridge SouthwickAs the devil never wanted insinuators, I shall observe, that I learned a way how to make a man dream of what I pleased.
Yet I think if we observe closely we shall detect traces of a spontaneous impulse towards self-adornment.
Children's Ways | James SullyThe countess-dowager was not very adroit at spelling and composition, whether French or English, as you observe.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry WoodOn his departure from the Alcazar, the warden thought it prudent to send a person to observe his movements.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
British Dictionary definitions for observe
/ (əbˈzɜːv) /
(tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice: we have observed that you steal
(when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)
to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones
(when intr, 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
(tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)
Origin of observe
1Derived forms of observe
- observable, adjective
- observableness or observability, noun
- observably, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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