powers of observation

Meaning

1. 1nounusually plural

   A person's ability to notice and remember small details of what is happening around them.

   Grammar: Takes a plural verb and a possessive: her powers of observation are remarkable.

   Patterns

   • someone's powers of observation
   • have good powers of observation
   • sharpen your powers of observation

   The detective's powers of observation allowed him to spot the missing book at once.

   Good scientists rely on careful powers of observation.

   Painting outdoors has improved her powers of observation.

Common combinations

keen powers of observation

The old gardener had keen powers of observation.

sharpen your powers of observation

Birdwatching can sharpen your powers of observation.

rely on powers of observation

Naturalists rely on powers of observation in the field.

remarkable powers of observation

The child showed remarkable powers of observation for her age.

test your powers of observation

This puzzle will test your powers of observation.

Synonyms and how they differ

observance

It means following a rule or custom, so it should not be mistaken for the ability to notice things.

perceptiveness

It suggests insight into what the details mean, where powers of observation is about noticing them.

attentiveness

It stresses paying close attention and not necessarily noticing small details.

alertness

It means being ready and awake to what is happening, and is less about detail.

Opposites

Word family

observe verb

to watch carefully or notice

observation noun

the act of watching or a remark made

observant adjective

good at noticing things

observer noun

a person who watches

observatory noun

a building for studying the sky

Commonly confused: powers of observation or observance?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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