View synonyms for

observe

[ uhb-zurv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

observed, observing.

to see, watch, perceive, or notice:
He observed the passersby in the street.
Antonyms:
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:
to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose:
to observe an eclipse.
Antonyms:
to state by way of comment; remark:
He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.
Synonyms: ,
to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc.:
You must observe quiet.
to obey, comply with, or conform to:
to observe laws.
Synonyms: ,
Antonyms:
to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc.:
to observe Palm Sunday.
Synonyms: ,
Antonyms:
to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
Antonyms:
to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.

verb (used without object)

observed, observing.

to notice.
to act as an observer.
to remark or comment (usually followed by on or upon ).

observe

/ ə��ˈ��ɜː�� /

verb

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

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Derived Forms

�ǲ�ˈ��, adverb
�ǲ�ˈ��, adjective
�ǲ�ˈ��ness, noun

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Other Word Forms

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

As we observe Autism Acceptance Month, now is not the time to cut funding for vital research projects like mine and countless others that have measurable impacts on families.

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“Rather than throw away the soil we soiled, why not regenerate it? Unless you’re planning to farm on that soil, the best bet is to put down mulching and observe.”

From

That's partly because scientists have only been able to use satellites for a few decades to observe about 10 cases of ice shelves collapsing - hence the desire to look for examples further back in time.

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I think the impetus of the paper comes from multiple observations and experiences I’ve had over the years, both as a young scientist and someone who observes birds recreationally.

From

Rugh, an accomplished choreographer with film and TV credits — observed what he believes may have been the beginning of the fire from his home near the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

From

Related Words

observatory observer

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