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

By defining passion based on observable actions and outcomes, rather than emotional expressiveness, companies can create a more level playing field. ForbesWomen: Get the ForbesWomen newsletter, and supercharge your mission with success stories, tips and more. —Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

For context, that is large enough to fit over 94,000 Milky Way galaxies placed side by side along the Great Wall's longest side, which stretches out for around 10% of the total width of the entire observable universe. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2025

The difficulty of capturing observable behavior alongside actual subjective experience has meant that many theories remain speculative rather than evidential. —Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Behavioral traits have a heritable component and are more readily observable than skeletal structure when assessing a dog's suitability for specific work. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 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