Definition of observe
observed;
observing
transitive verb
1
:to conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) :comply with
- failed to observe the law and as a consequence had to pay a fine
2
:to inspect or take note of as an augury, omen, or presage
- observed the flight of the sacred geese
3
:to celebrate or solemnize (something, such as a ceremony or festival) in a customary or accepted way
- observed Independence Day with a parade
4 a
:to watch carefully especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment
- observed the behavior of the children
b
:to make a scientific observation on or of
- observed the mating habits of the grouse
5
:to come to realize or know especially through consideration of noted facts
- … observed that the indefinite reduction of any given risk to society often brings with it an increase in other risks.
- —E. L. Zebroski
6
:to utter as a remark
- "The paint," she observed, "is already starting to peel."
intransitive verb
1 a
:to take notice
- When your teacher is demonstrating something, sit up and observe!
b
:to make observations :watch
- Perform your tricks, and we will observe.
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