observe

verb

Save Word

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 For the first time, researchers were able to observe, in extra-fine detail, how neurons behave as consciousness shuts down. — Max G. Levy, Wired, "This Is Your Brain Under Anesthesia," 11 May 2021 If gathering elsewhere, or with unvaccinated people from more than one home, wear a mask, observe social distance, stay outdoors and keep the group small. — oregonlive, "Coronavirus in Oregon: 610 new cases, 2 new deaths," 9 May 2021 Meditation gets you to listen to the noise, observe the onslaught without judgement, hold yourself above the fray. — Avivah Wittenberg-cox, Forbes, "Begin Again?," 8 May 2021 So has the share saying that to truly belong, a person must observe the country’s customs and traditions. — David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, "Essential Politics: The left-right split is far bigger in the U.S. than in Europe — and it’s growing," 7 May 2021 The tricks to maximizing your visit are to go slowly, observe everything, look for the details. — Steve West, sun-sentinel.com, "Always something new at wetland wonderland | Opinion," 7 May 2021 But Martin said that is a different question from ensuring all political parties can observe the process, along with the media. — Andrew Oxford, The Arizona Republic, "Judge concerned about protections for voters as Maricopa County audit continues," 27 Apr. 2021 Important because, as diplomacy commentators observe, the US’s relationship with India has much significance for Asia and the world, especially in controlling the devastation caused by Covid-19. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz, "Indians are disappointed with Biden’s response to their Covid-19 crisis—and rightly so," 26 Apr. 2021 Visitors who descend into the sphere can gaze at the sand to observe clouds, glimmering stars or the shifting hues of twilight. — Smithsonian Magazine, "In the Arizona desert, James Turrell is creating one of the most ambitious artworks in American history. Here’s an exclusive look," 20 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.