observer

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   a person who watches something carefully, especially to learn about it or to report on it.

   Grammar: Countable: one observer, two observers. Often followed by 'of': an observer of nature.

   Patterns

   • a careful observer
   • an observer of something
   • a casual observer

   She was a quiet observer at the meeting, taking notes but saying nothing.

   To a casual observer, the two paintings look identical.

   The scientist is a keen observer of animal behavior.

2. 2nouncountable

   someone who attends an event or meeting to watch but does not take part.

   Grammar: Often used in political or official contexts: observers at an election.

   Patterns

   • international observers
   • observers at something
   • send observers

   International observers were invited to monitor the election.

   The peace talks were attended by observers from several countries.

   Observers noted that the voting was calm and orderly.

Word forms

Common combinations

casual observer

A casual observer might not notice the difference.

keen observer

He is a keen observer of human nature.

observer status

The organization was granted observer status at the UN.

political observer

Political observers expect a close election.

Synonyms and how they differ

watcher

More general and often less formal; an observer usually watches with attention or purpose.

onlooker

Someone who watches something happening, often by chance; an observer may be official or deliberate.

spectator

Someone who watches a show or sports event; not used for scientific or official watching.

Opposites

Word family

observe verb

To watch carefully or to notice.

observation noun

The act of watching or a remark based on watching.

observant adjective

Good at noticing things.

Commonly confused: observer or observance?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “observer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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