Meaning of the word observe

Last Updated:
7 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences

соблюдать, наблюдать, заметить, соблюсти, следить за, блюсти, замечать, усмотреть

глагол ↓

Словосочетания

an unhappy, bickering couple who, at least in public, observe all the amenities of polite behavior — несчастливая, довольно склочная парочка, которая, по крайней мере прилюдно, следила за соблюдением приличий  
to celebrate / mark / observe a bicentenary — отмечать двухсотлетнюю годовщину  
to honor / observe a cease-fire — соблюдать соглашение о прекращении огня  
to observe the decencies — соблюдать приличия  
to observe the direction — измерять направление  
to observe a fast — соблюдать пост  
to celebrate / observe a holiday — отмечать праздник  
to obey / observe a law — соблюдать закон, подчиняться закону  
to observe with microscope — наблюдать в микроскоп  
neglect to observe care — несоблюдение надлежащей осторожности  
to maintain neutrality, to observe neutrality — сохранять нейтралитет  

Примеры с переводом

Примеры, ожидающие перевода

Возможные однокоренные слова

observable  — наблюдаемый, заметный, различимый, требующий соблюдения, достойный внимания
observance  — обряд, ритуал, почтение, соблюдение закона
observant  — наблюдательный, соблюдающий, внимательный, исполнительный, приметливый
observed  — предмет наблюдений
observer  — наблюдатель, обозреватель, соблюдающий законы, блюститель нравов
observing  — наблюдающий, соблюдающий, замечающий, выполняющий
observancy  — наблюдательность

Формы слова

verb
I/you/we/they: observe
he/she/it: observes
ing ф. (present participle): observing
2-я ф. (past tense): observed
3-я ф. (past participle): observed

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle French observer, from Old French [Term?], from Latin observare (“to watch, note, mark, heed, guard, keep, pay attention to, regard, comply with, etc.”), from ob (“before”) + servare (“to keep”), from Proto-Indo-European *serw- (“to guard”). Cognate with Gothic 𐍃𐌰𐍂𐍅𐌰 (sarwa, “weapons, armour”), Old English searu (“device, design, contrivance, art, cunning, craft, artifice, wile, deceit, stratagem, ambush, treachery, plot, trick, snare, ambuscade, cleverness, machine, engine, fabric, armor, equipment, arms”).

Pronunciation[edit]

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /əbˈzɜːv/, (rare) /ɒbˈzɜːv/
• (General American, Canada) enPR: əb-zûrvʹ, IPA^(key): /əbˈzɝv/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)v
• Hyphenation: ob‧serve

Verb[edit]

observe (third-person singular simple present observes, present participle observing, simple past and past participle observed)

1. (transitive) To notice or view, especially carefully or with attention to detail.

   From this vantage point we can observe the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat.

   She got up before dawn to observe the lunar eclipse.

   • 1892, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb

     “One horse?” interjected Holmes. ¶ “Yes, only one.” ¶ “Did you observe the colour?”

   • 2013 March 1, Frank Fish, George Lauder, “Not Just Going with the Flow”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 2, page 114:

     An extreme version of vorticity is a vortex. The vortex is a spinning, cyclonic mass of fluid, which can be observed in the rotation of water going down a drain, as well as in smoke rings, tornados and hurricanes.

2. (transitive) To follow or obey the custom, practice, or rules (especially of a religion).

   Please observe all posted speed limits.

   • 1958, Jacob Viner, The Long View and the Short, page 112:

     Some of them have, in fact, given them a theoretical elaboration which for subtlety, refinement, and elegance need make no apologies to the older economics, and which remains faithful to older theorizing in at least one respect, that the tradition of unintelligibility to the layman is scrupulously observed.

   • 2011 November 10, Jeremy Wilson, “England Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report”, in Telegraph:

     A sell-out crowd of 10,000 then observed perfectly a period of silence before the team revealed their black armbands, complete with stitched-in poppies, for the match. After Fifa’s about-turn, it must have been a frantic few days for the England kit manufacturer. The on-field challenge was altogether more straightforward.

3. (transitive) To take note of and celebrate (a holiday or similar occurrence); to follow (a type of time or calendar reckoning).

   • Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread.

   • 2020 (March 7), Jackie Dunham, «Daylight time: How to get enough sleep when the clocks spring forward, CTV News:

     On Sunday, most of Canada will observe daylight time and spring forward an hour in order to reflect the increasing sunlight.

4. (intransitive) To comment on something; to make an observation.

   The senator observed that the bill would be detrimental to his constituents.

   • 1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, chapter VIII, in The Younger Set, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC:

     Elbows almost touching they leaned at ease, idly reading the almost obliterated lines engraved there. ¶ «I never understood it,» she observed, lightly scornful. «What occult meaning has a sun-dial for the spooney? I’m sure I don’t want to read riddles in a strange gentleman’s optics.»

Synonyms[edit]

• (follow a custom): celebrate

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

Further reading[edit]

• observe in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• “observe”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.

Noun[edit]

observe (plural observes)

1. (archaic) An observation (remark, comment or judgement).

   • 1886 May 1 – July 31, Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped, being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1751: […], London; Paris: Cassell & Company, Limited., published 1886, →OCLC:

     “It sticks in my mind that he would take it very ill,” says Alan. “But the little man cried to me to run, and indeed I thought it was a good observe, and ran. The last that I saw they were all in a knot upon the beach, like folk that were not agreeing very well together.”

Anagrams[edit]

• obverse, verbose

French[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

Verb[edit]

observe

1. inflection of observer:
   1. first/third-person singular present indicative/subjunctive
   2. second-person singular imperative

Portuguese[edit]

Verb[edit]

observe

1. inflection of observar:
   1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
   2. third-person singular imperative

Romanian[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): [obˈserve]

Verb[edit]

observe

1. third-person singular/plural present subjunctive of observa

Spanish[edit]

Verb[edit]

observe

1. inflection of observar:
   1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
   2. third-person singular imperative

Even more painfully sad to observe is the way you’ve ignored everything we’ve written about OOL and its impact on your claims. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Systems Biology is in «observe some aspect of the world» mode, that must lead at some point to testable predictions. ❋ Unknown (2009)

I wonder if the case might be that the sectors that are dominated by computer technology have finally emerged as the leading producers of output, i.e., what we observe is a measurement shift. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The accelerating expansion of the universe that we currently observe, is identified as the onset of inflation. ❋ Gordon McCabe (2009)

The sharks hang back and observe from a not-too-close, not-too-far base, hunt strategically, and learn from previous attempts, according to a study being published online Monday in the Journal of Zoology. ❋ Unknown (2009)

What the POV characters observe is what the reader hears about. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Despite her martial nature, Zhakkarn is soft-spoken and unobtrusive in peaceful situations, preferring to observe from the background and speak only when necessary, like a good soldier. ❋ Unknown (2009)

You are now on the second speed, which you will no doubt observe is considerably faster than the lower speed … Remember that with a motor-car the driver controls the vehicle, and in this it differs from a horse-drawn vehicle, in which the driver is often at the mercy of the animal, to be pulled here, backed there, or upset altogether, should this chance to please the noble quadruped. ❋ Unknown (2009)

There is a whole category of ersatz adults who’ve mistaken the apparent staidness of the grownups (who they observe from the outside) for the qualifying characteristic of adulthood and tried to skip the scary merry-go-round. ❋ Zornhau (2010)

The other thing I observe is the population growth: population growth sustains economic growth. ❋ Unknown (2009)

What people observe is human origin, from which they infer design. ❋ Unknown (2009)

If that happens, what we will observe is a change in the quantities used for the two sources of energy. ❋ Unknown (2009)

«Quite often in mainstream schools, classroom assistants and teachers can do too much for a child – known as the Velcro effect – when in reality it might be better to stand back and observe from a distance and support the child in a different way.» ❋ June Caldwell (2010)

Most of what I continue to personally observe is my fellow human beings still desperately pursuing their wants, desires, and addictions. ❋ Unknown (2009)

This motion can only be accounted for by gravitational attraction, even though the mass that we can observe is not nearly great enough to exert that kind of pull. ❋ Unknown (2008)

I suspect most people assume a conscious being when they think intelligent design, but we can’t even prove other humans are conscious when we have 6 billion of them to study so it seems truly impossible to prove some proposed being we cannot observe is conscious. ❋ Unknown (2008)

“Carpals come and carpals go,” he whispered, plucking several out, moving to observe from the side. ❋ Unknown (2008)

The only universe we observe is one with apparently a finite past and whose program just happens to be consistent with complex and mentally rich life. ❋ Unknown (2007)

One of the things that has been interesting to observe is the media’s coverage of the Vick controversy. ❋ Xtra (2007)

She observed [everything] that was [going on] around her, then she made her [move] ❋ @surrenderwasapose (2017)

Observeering results in [crossing] [the yellow] line or going into [the ditch]. ❋ Design Diva (2012)

[marget]:what is she doing why she [staring] at everyone
[crystal]: oh she’s an observer, it’s not creepy at all ❋ INeedLikeSomeTurtlesMilk (2018)

Person A: Have you met [Sailesh] [Naidu] and Nhu-Mai [Simon]?
Person B: Yeah, those two are beastinly observant. ❋ Sailesh Naidu (2006)

Person 1: «[Yep], this [cry] is Magmortar’s and not [Volcanion’s].»
Person 2: «Woah, you’re so observative!» ❋ Oeegg (2021)

[Wow], [Mike] that was [really] observative. ❋ Ada (2004)

«You aren’t very observative»
«[You mean] [I’m not] very [observant]» ❋ HunkeyMonkey (2013)

[Marget]: why is she staring at everyone
[Crystal]: oh she’s just an [observer], it’s not creepy at all ❋ INeedLikeSomeTurtlesMilk (2018)

can you help me to observate the white [van] [on the corner]. it appears to be [spying] on me. ❋ Jonathan Owens (2007)

«I counted 5 [1/2] freckles on her.»
«You [stalker]!»
«Nah, its called [observancy].» ❋ Dcfreak22 (2010)

transitive verb. 1 : to conform one’s action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with failed to observe the law and as a consequence had to pay a fine. 2 : to inspect or take note of as an augury, omen, or presage observed the flight of the sacred geese.

What does observe mean example?

Observe is defined as to celebrate, to see or watch. An example of to observe is to celebrate a specific holiday. An example of to observe is to see a bird fly across the sky. An example to observe is to watch a butterfly grow, take notes and write up a report on it.

How do you use observe?

observe somebody/something do something The police observed a man enter the bank. observe somebody/something doing something They observed him entering the bank. observe that… She observed that all the chairs were already occupied. be observed to do something He was observed to follow her closely….

1. watch.
2. see.
3. view.
4. observe.

What is another word for observe?

Frequently Asked Questions About observe Some common synonyms of observe are celebrate, commemorate, and keep. While all these words mean “to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed,” observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

What does opine mean in English?

to express opinions

What’s another word for absurd?

What is another word for absurd?

What is the true meaning of absurd?

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous an absurd argument : extremely silly or ridiculous absurd humor. 2 : having no rational or orderly relationship to human life : meaningless an absurd universe also : lacking order or value an absurd existence.

What is the original meaning of the word absurd?

“plainly illogical,” 1550s, from French absurde (16c.), from Latin absurdus “out of tune, discordant;” figuratively “incongruous, foolish, silly, senseless,” from ab- “off, away from,” here perhaps an intensive prefix, + surdus “dull, deaf, mute,” which is possibly from an imitative PIE root meaning “to buzz, whisper” …

What is another word for unbelievable?

What is another word for unbelievable?

How would you describe an unbelievable person?

In this page you can discover 67 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for unbelievable, like: incredible, marvelous, shaky, absurd, dubious, staggering, miraculous, palpably false, believable, phenomenal and extraordinary.

What’s another word for mind boggling?

In this page you can discover 34 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for mind-boggling, like: baffling, perplexing, incomprehensible, stunning, puzzling, mysterious, confounding, numbing, inconceivable, bewildering and staggering.

What is a better word than incredible?

unbelievable, unimaginable, preposterous, improbable, ridiculous, absurd, inconceivable, great, fabulous, awe-inspiring, awesome, unreal, astounding, astonishing, extraordinary, amazing, wonderful, prodigious, superhuman, glorious.

How do you describe an incredible person?

If you describe something or someone as incredible, you like them very much or are impressed by them, because they are extremely or unusually good. The wildflowers will be incredible after this rain. Their father was incredibly good-looking.

What is another word for excellent?

What is another word for excellent?

What’s another name for amazing?

In this page you can discover 61 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for amazing, like: astonishing, incredible, astounding, phenomenal, marvelous, wondrous, fantastical, prodigious, miraculous, stupendous and fantastic.

How do you express something amazing?

astonishing

1. amazing.
2. astounding.
3. bewildering.
4. breathtaking.
5. extraordinary.
6. impressive.
7. marvelous.
8. miraculous.

How do you say someone is amazing?

50 ways to say “you’re awesome.”

1. You astonish me.
2. You’re a virtuoso.
3. Your sagacity is stunning.
4. You’re a glitterbomb of glory.
5. Your genius would be alarming, if it wasn’t so damn consistent.
6. You’re a marvel, mama.
7. You’ve blinded me with science!
8. You just revived my faith in humanity.

What is another word for love?

OTHER WORDS FOR love 1 tenderness, fondness, predilection, warmth, passion, adoration. 2 liking, inclination, regard, friendliness. 15 like. 16 adore, adulate, worship.

What is the strongest word of love?

15 Words That Are Stronger Than ‘Love’ And Mean Far More

• Lust – I lust after you.
• Adore – I adore you.
• Treasure – I treasure time with you.
• Intimacy – I love our emotional intimacy.
• Trust – I trust you with my heart.
• Ally – I am your ally in life.
• Value – I value your company.
• Happy – You make me happy.

What is a deeper word for love?

deep affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, intimacy, attachment, endearment. devotion, adoration, doting, idolization, worship. passion, ardour, desire, lust, yearning, infatuation, adulation, besottedness.

What is the true meaning of love?

True love is a strong and lasting affection between spouses or lovers who are in a happy, passionate and fulfilling relationship. An example of true love is the emotion shared between a couple who has been married for 40 years and who are still passionate about each other and care deeply for each other. noun.

What emotion is higher than love?

Is there anything greater than love? In a simple answer, yes there is. Gratitude. To have gratitude for someone means to have no judgment of them, or you.

How do you define love?

Some possible definitions of love include:

• A willingness to prioritize another’s well-being or happiness above your own.
• Extreme feelings of attachment, affection, and need.
• Dramatic, sudden feelings of attraction and respect.
• A fleeting emotion of care, affection, and like.

What are some examples of love?

Love is defined as to show or have deep attraction, affection or emotional attachment to a person, people or thing. An example of love is showering someone with kisses. An example of love is greeting a good friend with a big hug. An example of love is watching an amazing dancer dance.

How do you know you’re in love?

People who are in love generally feel a powerful sense of empathy toward their beloved, feeling the other person’s pain as their own and being willing to sacrifice anything for the other person.

How will u know if a guy loves u?

16 Signs He Definitely Loves You, According to Men

1. He picks up thoughtful gifts for you.
2. He inadvertently does lil tasks and chores you hate.
3. He tries to get into the things you like.
4. He is reminded of you All!
5. He finds any reason to bring you up to his friends and family.
6. He doesn’t get FOMO when he’s with you.

См. также в других словарях:

• Observe — Ob*serve ([o^]b*z[ e]rv ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Observed} ([o^]b*z[ e]rvd ); p. pr. & vb. n. {Observing}.] [L. observare, observatum; ob (see {Ob }) + servare to save, preserve, keep, heed, observe: cf. F. observer. See {Serve}.] 1. To take… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

• observe — [v1] see, notice beam, behold, catch, contemplate, detect, dig, discern, discover, distinguish, eagle eye*, espy, examine, eyeball*, flash*, get a load of*, get an eyeful of*, inspect, keep one’s eye on*, lamp*, look at, make out*, mark, mind,… …   New thesaurus

• observe — I (obey) verb abide by, acquiesce, adhere to, attend, be faithful to, be guided by, be regulated by, be submissive to, bow to, carry out, cling to, comply with, conform, conservare, cooperate, discharge, do the will of, execute, follow, fulfill,… …   Law dictionary

• Observe — Ob*serve , v. i. 1. To take notice; to give attention to what one sees or hears; to attend. [1913 Webster] 2. To make a remark; to comment; to make an observation[3]; generally with on or upon. [1913 Webster +PJC] I have barely quoted . . .… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

• observé — observé, ée (ob sèr vé, vée) part. passé d observer. 1°   À quoi on s est conformé. •   Dans tous pays il n y a jamais de lois observées que celles qui tiennent à la nature du gouvernement, J. J. ROUSS. Lett. à M. de Malesherbes, corresp. t. V, p …   Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d’Émile Littré

• observe — (v.) late 14c., to hold to (a manner of life or course of conduct), from O.Fr. observer, from L. observare watch over, look to, attend to, guard, from ob over (see OB (Cf. ob )) + servare to watch, keep safe, from PIE root *ser to protect.… …   Etymology dictionary

• observe — 1 *keep, celebrate, solemnize, commemorate Analogous words: respect, esteem, regard (see under REGARD n): *revere, reverence, venerate Antonyms: violate Contrasted words: *neglect, ignore, overlook, disregard, slight 2 survey, view, contemplate,… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

• observé — Observé, [observ]ée. part …   Dictionnaire de l’Académie française

• observe — ► VERB 1) notice; perceive. 2) watch attentively; monitor. 3) make a remark; say. 4) fulfil or comply with. DERIVATIVES observable adjective observer noun. ORIGIN Latin obs …   English terms dictionary

• observe — [əb zʉrv′] vt. observed, observing [ME observen < OFr observer < L observare, to watch, note < ob (see OB ) + servare, to keep or hold < IE base * ser , to watch over, guard > Sans haraiti, (he) guards] 1. to adhere to, follow,… …   English World dictionary

• observe — verb 1 notice/watch ADVERB ▪ carefully, closely ▪ precisely ▪ directly ▪ It is not possible to observe this phenomenon directly. ▪ …   Collocations dictionary