un observant

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
Un observant is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.

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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To un observant
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
Cite This Source
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
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT