26984 words

observe

9 definitions • 17 examples
1
to watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in order to learn more about it:

Examples:

The role of scientists is to observe and describe the world, not to try to control it.
[ + question word ] He spent a year in the jungle, observing how deforestation is affecting local tribes.
2
to notice or see:

Examples:

Jack observed a look of anxiety on his brother's face.
[ + question word ] The guards failed to observe who delivered the package.
[ + that ] In all these films one observes that directors are taking a new interest in Native American culture.
[ + infinitive without to ] A teacher observed her climb over the gate.
3
to make a remark about something:

Examples:

[ + speech ] "I've always found German cars very reliable," he observed.
[ + that ] She observed that it would soon be time to stop for lunch.
4
to obey a law, rule, or custom:

Examples:

People must observe the law. Nobody should be an exception.
The old people in the village still observe the local traditions.
Do you observe Passover?
5
to watch something or someone carefully:

Examples:

[ + question word ] On their field trip, the students observed how a newspaper was put together.
6
to notice something or someone:

Examples:

[ T ] Jack observed a look of panic on his brother’s face.
8
to remark about something:

Examples:

"It’s raining again," he observed.
9
to obey a law or rule, or celebrate a holiday or religious event in a traditional way:

Examples:

You must observe the law.

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