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 of observant

Adjective

• alert
• vigilant
• awake
• watchful
• aware
• attentive
• careful

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

While most matzo in the United States is made in factories, shmura matzos are baked by observant Jews who use well water to make the dough, roll it out in circles and cook it in a traditional coal oven. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

The effect isn’t passively observant but, rather, rigorously formal, embodying Depardon’s own concentrated engagement and demanding the same involvement of viewers. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026

Noun

Mary Hartman was overwhelmed, polite, observant, and perpetually on the verge of collapse. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Naturally grounded as earth signs, Virgos are sympathetic, focused and observant, and five of them have been named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive: Mark Harmon, the late Sean Connery, Richard Gere, Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin observant-, observans, present participle of observāre "to give attention to, observe"

Noun

probably borrowed from French, "someone who observes a religious rule," noun derivative from present participle of observer "to observe"

First Known Use

Adjective

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for observant

• maidservant
• manservant
• fervent
• servant

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