Observation: meaning, definitions and examples

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observation

[ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

scientific research

The action or process of observing something or someone carefully in order to gain information.

Synonyms

examination, inspection, scrutiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observation	Used when simply noting or watching something carefully without interfering. It's a broad term and can be applied to various fields like science, nature, or behavior. The scientist made an observation about the behavior of the ants. Through careful observation, she learned how to play the piano.
examination	Typically used in a formal context, often relating to a detailed checking or testing, such as in academic settings, medical assessments, or thorough investigations. The doctor performed a thorough examination of the patient. He passed his final examination with high marks.
scrutiny	Implies a very close and critical examination, often with a negative connotation or suspicion. Often used in contexts like legal investigations, audits, or media investigations. The politician's actions were under intense scrutiny after the scandal. The company's financial records were subjected to close scrutiny by the auditors.
inspection	Generally used in situations involving checking for standards, quality, or compliance. Common in contexts such as safety checks, quality control, and regulatory assessments. The building passed the safety inspection without any issues. They conducted an inspection of the factory to ensure it met all health regulations.

Examples of usage

The study involved the careful observation of the behavior of the birds in their natural habitat.
The scientist made detailed observations of the changes in temperature over a period of time.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

behavior

The act of noticing or perceiving something.

Synonyms

awareness, discernment, perception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observation	Used when talking about noticing or noting something with careful attention. Mostly used in scientific, academic, or surveillance contexts. Her observation of the experiment results was very detailed The guard's observation of the premises ensured everyone's safety
perception	Concerns the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted. This word is often used in contexts discussing the subjective viewpoints or interpretations of individuals. His perception of the event was quite different from hers The artist's perception of beauty is evident in her work
awareness	Refers to the state of being conscious or informed about a situation, idea, or condition. Often used in contexts relating to social issues, personal mindfulness, or general consciousness. Raising awareness about climate change is crucial John's awareness of his surroundings helped him avoid the accident
discernment	Implies the ability to judge well or the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure. Frequently used in contexts that require critical thinking or moral judgment. Her discernment in selecting the right investments has made her very successful The judge's discernment was key in reaching a fair verdict

Examples of usage

Her keen observation skills allowed her to detect small details that others often missed.
The artist's paintings were a result of his deep observations of human emotions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

astronomy

The process of making and recording measurements or discoveries about celestial objects.

Synonyms

analysis, exploration, survey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observation	Use when describing the act of looking carefully at something or someone, often to gather information or to notice details without necessarily intending to analyze or evaluate it. The scientist made careful observations of the bird's behavior He sat quietly in the park, just enjoying his observations of people passing by
survey	Use when referring to collecting data or information from a group of people, usually by asking them questions. Surveys are typically used to gather opinions or feedback. The government conducted a survey to understand public opinion on the new policy According to the survey, most people prefer online shopping over visiting physical stores
exploration	Use when talking about investigating or studying something in order to learn more about it, often involving a journey or search that is more adventurous or open-ended. The team's exploration of the Amazon rainforest lasted for weeks She is currently involved in the exploration of new energy sources
analysis	Use when discussing a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, often to explain or interpret it. This word carries a sense of breaking down complex information into simpler parts. The professor's analysis of the poem revealed its deep themes The data analysis showed a significant increase in sales during the holiday season

Examples of usage

The telescope enabled astronomers to make accurate observations of distant galaxies.
The space probe sent back valuable observations about the composition of the planet.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'observare,' meaning 'to watch over.'
It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally linked to watching over laws and rules.

Science

In science, observation is vital for experiments; scientists observe changes to gather information.
Astronomers use observation to study celestial bodies, gathering data through telescopes to learn about the universe.

Psychology

Observation is a key method in developmental psychology, where researchers watch children to understand growth and behavior.
The concept of 'participant observation' allows researchers to immerse themselves in a setting to gather deeper insights.

Education

Teachers often use observation to assess student behavior, engagement, and learning styles during classroom activities.
Learning through observation is a foundational technique in education, helping students model skills from peers or instructors.

Art

Artists often develop their skills through careful observation of their subjects, whether it’s a still life or a landscape.
The concept of 'observational drawing' focuses on capturing details of the subject as accurately as possible.

Translations

Translations of the word "observation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 observação

🇮🇳 अवलोकन

🇩🇪 Beobachtung

🇮🇩 pengamatan

🇺🇦 спостереження

🇵🇱 obserwacja

🇯🇵 観察 (かんさつ)

🇫🇷 observation

🇪🇸 observación

🇹🇷 gözlem

🇰🇷 관찰 (관찰)

🇸🇦 مراقبة

🇨🇿 pozorování

🇸🇰 pozorovanie

🇨🇳 观察 (guānchá)

🇸🇮 opazovanje

🇮🇸 athugun

🇰🇿 бақылау

🇬🇪 დაკვირვება

🇦🇿 müşahidə

🇲🇽 observación

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,870, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1867 northern
1868 sister
1869 instances
1870 observation
1871 channel
1872 mile
1873 dated
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