Meaning & use
observe
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To watch carefully in order to learn about something.
Grammar: Takes an object: observe the birds; may take a clause: observe that it rains.
Patterns
- observe something
- observe someone doing something
Scientists observed the birds for a week.
The teacher observed the class from the back.
We observed that the plants grew faster in sunlight.
verbtransitiveformal
To say something as a remark or comment.
Grammar: Often followed by that: she observed that it was late.
Patterns
- observe that something
He observed that the weather was changing.
She observed that the room felt cold.
The critic observed that the film was too long.
verbtransitiveformal
To obey or follow a rule, law or custom.
Grammar: Takes an object: observe the law.
Patterns
- observe a rule
Drivers must observe the speed limit.
Visitors are asked to observe the rules.
The company observes all safety regulations.
verbtransitiveformal
To celebrate or mark a holiday or special day.
Grammar: Used for holidays and anniversaries: observe a day of silence.
Patterns
- observe a holiday
Many families observe the holiday with a special meal.
The town observes a minute of silence each year.
They observe the anniversary quietly.
Word forms
| third person singular | observes |
|---|---|
| past tense | observed |
| past participle | observed |
| -ing form | observing |
Common combinations
- observe closely
- Researchers observed the animals closely.
- observe the rules
- Please observe the rules of the pool.
- observe a holiday
- We observe the holiday on Monday.
- observe a change
- Doctors observed a change in her breathing.
- observe silence
- The crowd observed silence.
Synonyms and how they differ
- watch
- The everyday word, which is less formal and does not imply careful study.
- notice
- Describes becoming aware of something, often by chance, whereas observe is deliberate.
- obey
- Fits laws and orders, but observe also covers customs.
- remark
- Means to say a comment, and is less formal.
Opposites
Word family
- observation noun
- the act of watching, or a remark
- observer noun
- a person who watches
- observant adjective
- quick to notice things
- observatory noun
- a building for studying the sky
Commonly confused: observe or obverse?
observe vs obverse
Obverse is the front side of a coin; it is unrelated to observe.
Practice
Visitors are required to ____ the museum's rules.
Choose one answer.
Observe is the verb needed after to. The other forms are an adjective, a noun and an -ing form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “observe”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.