observe Hear it!

observe Definition

ob·serve (əb zʉrv′)

transitive verb observed -·served′, observing -·serv′·ing

  1. to adhere to, follow, keep, or abide by (a law, custom, duty, rule, etc.)
  2. to celebrate or keep (a holiday, etc.) according to custom
    1. to notice or perceive (something)
    2. to pay special attention to
  4. to arrive at as a conclusion after study
  5. to say or mention casually; remark
  6. to examine and study scientifically

Etymology: ME observen < OFr observer < L observare, to watch, note < ob- (see ob-) + servare, to keep or hold < IE base *ser-, to watch over, guard > Sans haraiti, (he) guards

intransitive verb

  1. to take notice
  2. to comment or remark (on or upon)
  3. to act as an observer

Related Forms:

observe Synonyms

observe

v.

  1. To notice

    look at, perceive, recognize, discern; see discern, see 1, witness. See syn. study at discern.

  2. To watch

    scrutinize, inspect, examine; see watch 1.

  3. To comment

    note, remark, mention; see comment 1.

  4. To commemorate

    celebrate, commemorate, keep; see celebrate 1. See syn. study at celebrate.

  5. To abide by

    conform to, comply, adopt; see follow 2, obey 2.

observe Usage Examples

Object

  • precaution: You should observe sensible precautions such as keeping your personal belongings, including passports and money, secure.
  • rule: Agencies failing to observe the rules could be left with a nasty legal hangover once the festivities are over.
  • wildlife: Ideal for those wanting to observe wildlife at close quarters.

Modifying Another Word

  • strictly: When you are driving, always wear a safety belt, strictly observe speed limits, traffic lights and signs.

Used with why or when

  • what: During the experience, the researcher observed each participant and was able to simultaneously observe what he was viewing in the HMD.
observe Quotes

   For my part, when I enter most intimately into what I call myself, I always stumble on some particular perception orother, of heat orcold, light or shade, pain or pleasure.I nevercan catch myself at any time without a perception, and never can observe anything but the perception.

—Humboldt, Alexander, Baron von

   Observe how system into system runs, What other planets circle other suns.

—Pope, Alexander

You can observe a lot just by watching.

—Berra,Yogi Lawrence Peter

For a man to write well, there are required three necessaries: to read the best authors, observe the best speakers, and much exercise of his own style.

—Jonson, Ben

You see, but you do not observe.

—Doyle, SirArthur Conan