observe

verb

ob·​serve əb-ˈzərv How to pronounce observe (audio)
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.
2
: remark, comment
In her speech she observed on the changing climate.
observingly adverb
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 Many primates, including male ones, have been observed carrying dead babies, albeit typically for only a few hours or days. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 Similar trends are observed in strategic acquisitions where there is often a need for more seasoned leadership. Abhishek Nanda, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The effects of a late lunch on weight loss were also observed in a study involving patients who had bariatric surgery. Johna Burdeos, Health, 28 Oct. 2024 Does every state observe daylight saving time? Not all states and U.S. territories participate in daylight saving time. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for observe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'observe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English observen "to follow, conform to, practice, celebrate," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French observer "to comply with, uphold" (also continental Old French), borrowed from Latin observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, abide by, adhere to, celebrate," from ob- "toward, facing, against" + servāre "to watch over, guard, keep, observe (a law, custom)" — more at ob-, conserve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of observe was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near observe

Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observe. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

observe

verb
ob·​serve əb-ˈzərv How to pronounce observe (audio)
observed; observing
1
: to act in agreement with : obey
observe the law
2
: to celebrate or honor (as a holiday) with special events or customs
3
a
: to watch carefully
observed how the food was prepared
b
: to make a scientific observation of
observe an eclipse
4
: to come to understand or know especially by thinking about facts that have been noted
I have observed that it happens more often on Tuesdays
5
: to say as a remark
observed that it was a fine day and we agreed
observer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on observe

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