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

• apparent
• seeable
• visible
• visual

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

Shapes of this type are observable in nautilus shells, zebra stripes, river islands and even in the cross-section of an onion, per a statement from the University of Oxford. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024

The fourth observable is called trans-medium travel, the ability to operate in multiple domains or environments. —Johnny Dodd, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024

The collected works gracefully espouse themes of blurred identity, the interplay between mysticism and observable reality, and the belief in the power of art, underscoring notions of self-acceptance and a confident orientation toward the future. —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 19 Sep. 2024

For years, scientists did not consider the different observable personalities in cats, Baundry and her co-authors wrote in their 2022 study. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb