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observe

ob·serve

observe

 
 
pronunciation:
b zuhrv
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: observes, observing, observed
definition 1: to perceive; see.
She observed that he was wearing his best suit.[verb + (that) + clause ] The teacher observed that the child seemed to have difficulty hearing.[verb + (that) + clause ] He was looking toward the door, but somehow he did not observe her come in.[verb + smby/smth + bare infinitive ]
synonyms:
behold, eye, note, notice, perceive, see, view
antonyms:
miss
similar words:
descry, detect, discern, distinguish, espy, glimpse, remark, sight, spot, witness
definition 2: to watch closely or make a systematic observation of.
She likes to sit by the window and observe the people walking by.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ] The students observed the entire operation performed by the heart surgeon.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ] The scientists are observing the animal's behavior in its own habitat.
synonyms:
watch
similar words:
follow, monitor
definition 3: to remark casually.
"You look cheerful today," he observed.
synonyms:
remark
similar words:
comment, mention, note, notice, say, state, survey
definition 4: to maintain.
We observe quiet hours each afternoon.
synonyms:
hold, maintain
similar words:
adhere to, carry out, keep, practice
definition 5: to act in accordance with; follow.
The rules must be observed at all times.
synonyms:
abide by, adhere to, comply with, follow, obey
antonyms:
break, violate
similar words:
conform to, fulfill, keep, respect, take
definition 6: to celebrate; keep.
The nation observes Labor Day on the first Monday of September every year.
synonyms:
celebrate, keep
similar words:
hallow, mark, recognize, respect
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to take notice of a thing or things.
He looks but he doesn't always observe.
synonyms:
see
definition 2: to make a comment; remark.
The speaker observed on the influence of humanism.
synonyms:
comment, remark
similar words:
say
definition 3: to act as an observer, rather than as a participant.
I will just sit in the back of the class and observe.
synonyms:
monitor
similar words:
watch
definition 4: to watch something closely.
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derivation: observingly (adv.)
Word Explorer
See
  fish, learn, physics, tradition