observe

verb

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ob·serve | \ əb-ˈzərv

observed; observing

Definition of observe

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 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

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.

Other Words from observe Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about observe

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web Jim Keane, president and CEO of Steelcase, said the company's employees who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks or observe social distancing. — Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 24 May 2021 Merkel said continuing to wear masks and observe social distancing is essential. — Geir Moulson, Star Tribune, 21 May 2021 They are also asked to wear masks and observe social distancing during visits. — Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 19 May 2021 In-person guests will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 13 May 2021 Andrews doesn’t wear masks or observe social distancing, and switched her 8-year-old son to private school after public schools eliminated in-person classes. — Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2021 Pilgrims were obliged to present a negative coronavirus test, wear masks and observe social distancing, but reports indicated that such requirements were flouted. — Washington Post, 8 May 2021 The church has decided to continue covid-19 precautions at this time, including asking all to wear a mask and observe social distancing. — Arkansas Online, 1 May 2021 To protect the community, please wear a mask and observe social distancing when shopping for plants. — courant.com, 30 Apr. 2021

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.