observant

1 of 2

adjective

ob·​ser·​vant əb-ˈzər-vənt 

1

a

: paying strict attention : watchful

an observant spectator

b

: keen, perceptive

observant of the mistakes of others

Good reporters are keenly observant of everything around them.

2

: careful in observing rites, laws, or customs : mindful

pious and religiously observant families

—Sidney Hook

always observant of the amenities

observantly adverb

observant

2 of 2

noun

obsolete

: an assiduous or obsequious servant or attendant

Synonyms

Adjective

• alert
• Argus-eyed
• attentive
• awake
• open-eyed
• tenty [Scottish]
• tentie
• vigilant
• watchful
• wide-awake

Examples of observant in a Sentence

Adjective

A particularly observant child, he noticed even the slightest changes in the classroom.

Good reporters are keenly observant of everything around them.

The family is strictly observant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Credit that ability to be both observant and a quick learner. —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2024

Thanks to an observant truck driver and the work of three Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies and a conservation officer, an Indiana woman was rescued from a submerged vehicle. —Jade Thomas, The Indianapolis Star, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

observant

adjective

ob·​ser·​vant

əb-ˈzər-vənt

1

: paying careful attention : watchful

2

: quick to observe : keen

3

: careful in observing : mindful

observantly adverb