Observe

/əbˈzɜːrv/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to see or perceive something and register it as being significant.

I observed the birds building their nests in the trees.

to watch carefully, especially for the purpose of learning.

The scientists observed the reactions of the chemicals in the experiment.

to comply with or follow the rules, customs, or practices.

It is important to observe the laws of the country you are visiting.

From Latin 'observare', from ob- 'over' + servare 'to keep, watch'.

observe the rules

to follow the established guidelines or laws.

observe closely

to watch something with great attention to detail.

observe a moment of silence

to respectfully stay silent for a short period, often in memory of someone.

observer

a person who watches or observes something.

observatory

a place or building for observing astronomical events.

observable

able to be seen or noticed.

Keep an eye on.

I’ll observe the situation before making a decision.

Scope out.

Let’s observe the area before we go in.