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 or upon ).

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. whenintr, 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

  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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Derived Forms

  • Dzˈ, adverb
  • Dzˈ, adjective
  • Dzˈness, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • Dz··· [uh, b-, zur, -vid-lee], adverb
  • Dz·iԲ· adverb
  • ԴDzo·iԲ adjective
  • nonDz·iԲ· adverb
  • o· verb (used with object) preobserved preobserving
  • ܲȴ-Dz· adjective
  • o· verb reobserved reobserving
  • -Dz· adjective
  • ܲo· adjective
  • ܲo·iԲ adjective
  • ɱ-Dz· adjective
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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.

Noting his falling approval ratings, Karl Rove, the chief political advisor to former President George W. Bush, observed in an April 16 Wall Street Journal editorial that the nation is experiencing "Trump fatigue."

From

He is here to participate in a ritual that he observes four days a week, a pursuit that keeps his “head in shape.”

From

At the “pressure test” events, they lurk nearby, observing, but sometimes participating — Kelly will pole and line dance; London will get a tattoo.

From

“Our inspectors did not detect odors in the area and did not observe any air quality violations during any of those in-person visits.”

From

“ you can change, and what you can see and observe change, is the mood and the attitude of the Vietnamese people.”

From

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