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View synonyms for

observe

[uhb-zurv]

verb (used with object)

observed, observing 
  1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice.

    He observed the passersby in the street.

    Antonyms:
  2. to regard with attention, especially so as to see or learn something.

    I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.

    Synonyms:
    Antonyms:
  3. to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose.

    to observe an eclipse.

    Antonyms:
  4. to state by way of comment; remark.

    He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.

    Synonyms: ,
  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.

    Synonyms: ,
    Antonyms:
  7. to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc..

    to observe Palm Sunday.

    Synonyms: ,
    Antonyms:
  8. to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).

    Antonyms:
  9. to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.



verb (used without object)

observed, observing 
  1. to notice.

  2. to act as an observer.

  3. to remark or comment (usually followed by on orupon ).

observe

/ əˈɜː /

verb

  1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice

    we have observed that you steal

  2. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something)

  3. to make observations of (something), esp scientific ones

  4. to make a comment or remark

    the speaker observed that times had changed

  5. (tr) to abide by, keep, or follow (a custom, tradition, law, holiday, etc)

“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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Other Word Forms

  • observedly adverb
  • observingly adverb
  • nonobserving adjective
  • nonobservingly adverb
  • preobserve verb (used with object)
  • quasi-observed adjective
  • reobserve verb
  • self-observed adjective
  • unobserved adjective
  • unobserving adjective
  • well-observed adjective
  • Dzˈ adverb
  • Dzˈ adjective
  • Dzˈness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of observe1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English observen, from Middle French observer, from Latin Dz “to watch, regard, attend to,” equivalent to ob- ob- + “to keep, save, pay heed to”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of observe1

C14: via Old French from Latin Dz, from ob- to + to watch
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Synonym Study

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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Citizens Advice Guernsey said it had not yet observed an increase in islanders asking for help about electricity bills but it was bracing an increased number of calls when tariffs rise.

From

As has become the norm in the nation’s political discourse, Republicans and Democrats spoke about the confrontation Friday as if they had observed two entirely separate incidents.

From

A lanky, warm presence with a sociable smile, Turner-Seed is never far from a keenly observed thought or ambivalent feeling.

From

“This is a time of rising fascism where a city like Los Angeles, built by immigrants, is under attack and needs allies,” said Dombos, 44, who has observed some of the protests.

From

The union’s complaint describes about a dozen instances in which, it said, witnesses observed petition circulators allegedly telling passersby various inaccurate claims.

From

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observatoryobserver