observant

¹ob·ser·vant

adjective \-vənt\

Definition of OBSERVANT

1

a : paying strict attention : watchful <an observant spectator>

b : keen, perceptive

2

: careful in observing (as rites, laws, or customs) : mindful <pious and religiously observant families — Sidney Hook> <always observant of the amenities>

— ob·ser·vant·ly adverb

Examples of OBSERVANT

1. A particularly observant child, he noticed even the slightest changes in the classroom.
2. Good reporters are keenly observant of everything around them.
3. The family is strictly observant.

First Known Use of OBSERVANT

1602

Related to OBSERVANT

Synonyms

Argus-eyed, attentive, awake, alert, open-eyed, tenty (also tentie) [Scottish], vigilant, watchful, wide-awake

Antonyms

asleep

Related Words

alive, aware, conscious, sensitive; cognizant, heedful, keen, mindful, observing, regardful, sharp, sharp-eyed; hyperalert, hypervigilant, sleepless, wakeful; careful, cautious, chary, wary; prepared, ready

Near Antonyms

absent, absentminded, absorbed, abstracted, daydreaming, dazed, distracted, dreaming, dreamy, engrossed, faraway, insensible, oblivious, preoccupied; sleeping, unaware, unconscious, unknowing, unwitting; careless, heedless, inattentive, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking, unwary; unprepared, unready

²observant

noun

Definition of OBSERVANT

obsolete

: an assiduous or obsequious servant or attendant

First Known Use of OBSERVANT

1605

Rhymes with OBSERVANT

bond servant, maidservant, manservant