Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   Ob·serve

   /əbˈzərv/

   

   verb

   • 1. notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant: "young people observe that decisions are made by others" Similar noticeseenoteperceivediscernremarkspotdetectdiscoverdistinguishmake outliterary:espydescrybeholdOpposite overlookfail to see
   • ▪ watch (someone or something) carefully and attentively: "Rob stood in the hallway, where he could observe the happenings on the street" Similar watchseelook ateyecontemplateviewsurveyregardwitnesskeep an eye onscrutinizekeep under observationkeep watch onkeep under surveillancemonitorkeep under scrutinywatch like a hawkkeep a weather eye onspy oncheck outreconnoiterinformal:get a load ofkeep tabs onkeep a tab oncasekeep a beady eye onclocktake a dekko/butcher's/gander/shufti atrecceeyeballarchaic:twigrare:surveil
   • ▪ take note of or detect (something) in the course of a scientific study: "the behavior observed in groups of chimpanzees"
   • 2. make a remark: "“It's chilly,” she observed" Similar commentremarksaymentionnotedeclareannouncestateutterpronounceinterposeinterjectformal:opine
   • 3. fulfill or comply with (a social, legal, ethical, or religious obligation): "a tribunal must observe the principles of natural justice" Similar comply withabide bykeepobeyadhere toconform toheedhonorrespectbe heedful ofpay attention tofollowacquiesce inconsent toacceptdefer tofulfillstand byOpposite disregardignorebreak
   • ▪ maintain (silence) in compliance with a rule or custom, or temporarily as a mark of respect: "a minute's silence will be observed"
   • ▪ perform or take part in (a rite or ceremony): "relations gather to observe the funeral rites"
   • ▪ celebrate or acknowledge (an anniversary): "many observed the one-year anniversary of the flood" Similar participate inpartake inbe present atcelebratekeepcommemoratesolemnizemarkmemorializerememberrecognize

   Word Origin late Middle English (in observe (sense 3)): from Old French observer, from Latin observare ‘to watch’, from ob- ‘towards’ + servare ‘attend to, look at’.

   Scrabble Points: 12

   • O

     1

   • B

     3

   • S

     1

   • E

     1

   • R

     1

   • V

     4

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less

2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › observeObserve Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › observe

   • Cached

   The meaning of OBSERVE is to conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with. How to use observe in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Observe.

3. www.dictionary.com › browse › observeOBSERVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › observe

   • Cached

   Observe definition: to see, watch, perceive, or notice. See examples of OBSERVE used in a sentence.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishOBSERVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   OBSERVE definition: 1. to watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in…. Learn more.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › observeOBSERVE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › observe

   • Cached

   OBSERVE meaning: 1. to watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in…. Learn more.

6. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › observeObserve - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › observe

   Observe is often used to mean “remark” or “comment.” When trying to start up a conversation with an attractive stranger, you might observe that it’s raining outside (but hopefully you’ll come up with something more interesting to say).

7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionobserve verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

   • Cached

   Definition of observe verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

8. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishOBSERVE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to see; perceive; notice. I observed that he was trembling. 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.