Observable: meaning, definitions and examples

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observable

 

[ əbˈzəːvəb(ə)l ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

in science

Able to be observed or perceived.

Synonyms

noticeable, perceptible, visible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
observable

Used in scientific or academic settings when something can be seen or measured.

  • The changes in the experiment were observable under the microscope
  • The stars were observable with a telescope
noticeable

Used to describe something that is easily seen or recognized, often in everyday situations.

  • There was a noticeable improvement in his health
  • Her new haircut was very noticeable
perceptible

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe something that can be detected or felt, although it may be subtle.

  • There was a perceptible shift in the mood of the room
  • His discomfort was barely perceptible
visible

Used when talking about something that can be seen with the eyes, generally in a physical sense.

  • The mountains were clearly visible from the city
  • There was a visible crack in the wall

Examples of usage

  • The scientist conducted an experiment to test the observable effects of the new medication.
  • These changes in the environment are easily observable by anyone walking through the park.
Context #2 | Noun

in astronomy

A celestial object or event that can be observed using a telescope or other instruments.

Synonyms

astronomical event, celestial object, stellar phenomenon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
observable

Used to describe something that can be seen or detected, especially in a scientific context.

  • The changes in the experiment are observable under a microscope.
  • The scientist noted the observable differences between the two species.
celestial object

Used to describe any natural object outside Earth's atmosphere, such as stars, planets, and moons.

  • The moon is the closest celestial object to Earth.
  • Astronomers discovered a new celestial object in the distant galaxy.
astronomical event

Refers to significant occurrences in space, such as eclipses, meteor showers, or planetary alignments, that are often watched and studied.

  • The lunar eclipse is an astronomical event admired by many astronomers and skywatchers.
  • A solar flare is a powerful astronomical event that can impact Earth's technology.
stellar phenomenon

Refers to extraordinary events or occurrences associated with stars, like supernovae or star formation processes.

  • A supernova is a spectacular stellar phenomenon that can outshine an entire galaxy.
  • The birth of new stars in a nebula is an interesting stellar phenomenon.

Examples of usage

  • The comet passing by Earth was a fascinating observable for astronomers to study.
  • The supernova explosion was a rare observable that caught the attention of the entire scientific community.

Translations

Translations of the word "observable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 observável

🇮🇳 प्रेक्षणीय

🇩🇪 beobachtbar

🇮🇩 teramati

🇺🇦 спостережуваний

🇵🇱 obserwowalny

🇯🇵 観測可能な

🇫🇷 observable

🇪🇸 observable

🇹🇷 gözlemlenebilir

🇰🇷 관찰 가능한

🇸🇦 قابل للملاحظة

🇨🇿 pozorovatelný

🇸🇰 pozorovateľný

🇨🇳 可观察的

🇸🇮 opazovan

🇮🇸 athuganlegt

🇰🇿 бақыланатын

🇬🇪 დაკვირვებადი

🇦🇿 müşahidə edilə bilən

🇲🇽 observable

Etymology

The word 'observable' originated from the Latin word 'observabilis', which means 'that can be observed'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The term became popular in the scientific community to describe phenomena that could be perceived or studied through observation using various instruments and methods.

See also: nonobservance, observance, observant, observantly, observation, observational, observationally, observe, observer, observers, observing, unobservant, unobserved.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,915 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.