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Meaning & use

observance

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/əbˈzɜːvəns/
US/əbˈzɜːrvəns/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable or uncountable

    The practice of honoring a law, custom, or religious rule by doing what it requires.

    Grammar: Often used with 'of': observance of the law. Can be uncountable when talking about the practice in general.

    Patterns

    • observance of something
    • strict observance
    • religious observance

    The strict observance of safety rules prevented accidents.

    In some countries, the observance of religious holidays is required by law.

    The community gathered for the annual observance of the town's founding.

  2. nouncountable

    A ceremony or ritual that marks a religious or traditional event.

    Grammar: Often used in the plural: religious observances.

    Patterns

    • religious observances
    • traditional observances
    • hold an observance

    The temple holds special observances during the harvest season.

    Many families keep up old observances at New Year.

    The funeral observances lasted three days.

Word forms

pluralobservances

Common combinations

religious observance
Religious observance varies widely around the world.
strict observance
The monks live in strict observance of their rules.
observance of a holiday
The observance of the holiday includes a parade.
public observance
The mayor led the public observance of the anniversary.

Synonyms and how they differ

practice
A more general word for a usual way of doing things; 'observance' is more formal and often religious or legal.
ceremony
A formal event with a set order; 'observance' can be a ceremony but also refers to the act of following a rule.
ritual
A set of actions always performed the same way, often religious; 'observance' is broader and can mean keeping a law.

Opposites

violationneglect

Word family

observe verb
To follow or honor a law, custom, or holiday; also to watch carefully.
observant adjective
Quick to notice things; also careful to follow religious rules.
observation noun
The act of watching or noticing; not the same as following a custom.

Commonly confused: observance or observation?

observance vs observation

'Observation' means watching or noticing something, while 'observance' means following a custom or law. 'Observation of the stars' is looking at them; 'observance of the Sabbath' is keeping it.

Practice

The strict ______ of traffic laws saves lives.

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