observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

1

: noteworthy

2

: capable of being observed : discernible

observability

əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

observable noun

observably

əb-ˈzər-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• visible
• visual
• noticeable

Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe

scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable

Recent Examples on the Web

By analyzing these lifeforms in microgravity, scientists aim to uncover both observable and genetic changes that could help life persist in alien environments. —John Loeffler, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025

This trend is observable in the stock performance, which has seen an increase of approximately 50% year to date, significantly surpassing the S&P 500’s 4% rise. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

But how can trees help indicate this increase in carbon dioxide in an easily observable manner? —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2025

Collectively, these changes affected virtually every major institution that shaped Americans’ daily lives—especially institutions that had offered, for generations, ways of understanding and navigating observable differences between human societies, cultures, and bodies. —Literary Hub, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for observable

• unobservable

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb