observe

play

verb ob·serve \əb-ˈzərv\

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
4a : to watch carefully especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment observed the behavior of the childrenb : 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
1a : 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.
2 : remark, comment In her speech she observed on the changing climate.

observingly

play \əb-ˈzər-viŋ-lē\ adverb

See observe defined for English-language learners

See observe defined for kids

Examples of observe in a Sentence

The class will be observing the movements of fish.
The patient must be observed constantly.
Children learn by observing their parents and others.
The new teacher will give the lesson today and the principal will observe.
We observed a large flock of birds heading north.
He observed two children playing with marbles on the street corner.
She observed that every man in the room had removed his hat.
Few cases of the disease have been observed in humans.

Recent Examples of observe from the Web

The vehicle belonging to Christensen was first observed in an apartment complex parking lot on June 12 — just days after Zhang went missing — and investigators questioned him.

— Bloomberg.com, "Chinese Scholar Believed Dead; Man Charged With Kidnapping", 1 July 2017
During analyst visits, officials observe work habits, such as how miners operate equipment, lift and perform other tasks, said Jim Vicini, director of Kentucky’s Division of Mine Safety.

— dylan lovan, The Seattle Times, "As coal dwindles, mining states trim safety inspections", 30 June 2017
Binoculars are a simple and inexpensive alternative to telescopes for surveying the night sky, and a pair that's safe for solar viewing are also a great option for observing the sun (during an eclipse or otherwise).

— don melanson, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Gear You'll Need to Watch This Summer's Solar Eclipse", 30 June 2017
The satirist Finley Peter Dunne once observed, through his character Mr. Dooley, that the Supreme Court follows the election returns.

— william anthony hay, WSJ, "Jefferson in the Flesh", 29 June 2017
One incident observed by The Enquirer took place in what appeared to be a peaceful night.

— cameron knight, Cincinnati.com, "At US Open Cup victory for FC Cincinnati, Ray Tensing protesters chant Sam DuBose's name, demand 3rd trial", 28 June 2017
So the investigator had every worker lay down his tool in a field, and observed that just one sickle attracted blowflies, which were known to seek out blood.

— jonathon keats, Discover Magazine, "Everything Worth Knowing About ... Catching a Criminal", 26 June 2017
In the latest inspection on Thursday, the Kansas City Health Department reported its inspector observed live baby roaches behind a fry freezer, on the side of a drink cooler and by a restroom wall baseboard in its basement.

— joe robertson, kansascity, "Live baby roaches found in follow-up inspection of Plaza restaurant closed for weekend", 24 June 2017
Dr. Steven Mandel is sitting in his office, observing Marks through a Nest Cam feed hooked up to a large flat screen.

— rene chun, Los Angeles Magazine, "Inside the Los Angeles Clinic That Uses Ketamine to Treat Depression", 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'observe'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of observe

Middle English, from Anglo-French observer, from Latin observare to guard, watch, observe, from ob- in the way, toward + servare to keep — more at conserve

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of observe

keep, observe, celebrate, commemorate mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating. kept the Sabbath by refraining from work observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance. not all holidays are observed nationally celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity. traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event. commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

OBSERVE Defined for English Language Learners

observe

play

verb

Definition of observe for English Language Learners

: to watch and sometimes also listen to (someone or something) carefully
: to see and notice (someone or something)
: to make a comment about something you notice

OBSERVE Defined for Kids

observe

play

verb ob·serve \əb-ˈzərv\

Definition of observe for Students

observed

;

observing

1 : to watch carefully They observed her behavior.
2 : to act in agreement with : obey Remember to observe the law.
3 : celebrate 1 Next Friday we will observe a religious holiday.
4 : ²remark, say “Those are some big ears he's got, too,” observed his uncle Alfred. — Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux