Observe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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observe

[əbˈzəːv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in nature

Notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant.

Synonyms

notice, see, spot, watch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observe	Use when paying close attention or studying something or someone carefully, often for a specific purpose. Scientists observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat. He observed the students during the exam.
notice	Use when becoming aware of something or someone, often unexpectedly or for the first time. I didn't notice the sign at the entrance. She noticed that he was wearing a new jacket.
see	Use for general or casual viewing with one's eyes; often refers to perceiving without much effort. I see a bird in the tree. Did you see that movie last night?
watch	Use when looking at something or someone attentively, usually for a period of time and with interest. They like to watch the sunset together. I will watch the match on TV tonight.
spot	Use when identifying or finding something or someone quickly and often from a distance, usually with some effort. Can you spot the difference between these two pictures? She quickly spotted her friend in the crowded room.

Examples of usage

I observed a strange bird in the tree.
She observed the changes in his behavior.
We need to observe the patterns in nature.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

scientific experiment

Watch (someone or something) carefully and attentively.

Synonyms

examine, inspect, monitor, scrutinize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observe	Used when watching something without direct interaction, typically for a period of time. He observed the birds in the park with great interest She likes to observe people's behavior at parties
monitor	Utilized when watching or keeping track of something over time to check for changes or developments. The nurse will monitor the patient's vital signs The software monitors network traffic to detect intrusions
scrutinize	Used when examining something very closely and thoroughly, often with a critical or detailed approach. This word can have a negative connotation. The journalist scrutinized the politician's financial records Investors scrutinize the company's performance before buying stocks
inspect	Typically used when looking at something closely to check its condition or find any specific details, often for defects. The mechanic inspected the car for any issues The teacher will inspect the students' homework for mistakes
examine	Applied when looking at something very carefully, often to understand it better or to find out specific details. The doctor will examine the patient thoroughly Scientists examine the data to draw conclusions

Examples of usage

The scientists observed the behavior of the animals in the lab.
He observed the growth of the plants over time.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

formal

A remark, statement, or comment based on something one has seen, heard, or noticed.

Synonyms

comment, reflection, remark, statement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observe	Used when you are carefully watching or monitoring something or someone to gather information. He likes to observe birds in their natural habitat The scientists observed the reactions of the chemicals
comment	Used when expressing an opinion, reaction, or remark about a particular subject. She made a comment about the new movie Do you have any comments on the recent changes at work?
remark	Used when making a casual or brief statement about something, usually in conversation. His remark about the weather was quite funny Did you hear her remark about the presentation?
statement	Used for formal announcements or declarations of fact or opinion, often in written or official contexts. The company released a statement about the new policy He made a strong statement during the meeting
reflection	Used when thinking deeply or carefully about something, often implying a moment of contemplation or serious thought. Her reflection on the book revealed many insights He paused for a moment of reflection before responding

Examples of usage

She made an interesting observation about the economy.
His observations were recorded in the research paper.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In scientific research, observation is a key method for gathering data, as it helps scientists understand complex phenomena.
Astronomers use powerful telescopes to observe distant stars and planets, uncovering secrets of the universe.
The 'observational study' method allows researchers to gather insights by looking at subjects in natural settings without interference.

Psychology

Observing behavior helps psychologists determine how people interact within their environments.
The concept of 'participant observation' combines observing and engaging with subjects, giving deeper insights into their behaviors.
Noticing small details while observing can lead to breakthroughs in understanding human emotions and responses.

Art

Many artists emphasize the importance of observation in their work, insisting that closely observing nature inspires creativity.
The Impressionist movement in art focused on capturing the effects of light and color through careful observation of scenes.
Art classes often teach students to draw from live models to improve their observation skills, enhancing their artistic capabilities.

Pop Culture

In detective stories, the ability to observe small details often leads to solving mysteries and catching culprits.
Television shows like 'CSI' focus on the meticulous observation of crime scenes to solve puzzles.
Social media influencers often 'observe' trends, adapting their content to keep up with what audiences are watching.

Origin of 'observe'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'observare', meaning 'to watch over', which reflects the idea of careful attention.
It has roots in the term 'servare', meaning 'to keep' or 'to save', suggesting that observing helps us keep knowledge.
The adaptation of the word into English occurred in the late Middle Ages, illustrating how watching has been important through history.

The word 'observe' comes from the Latin word 'observare', which means 'to watch, heed, observe'. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century. Over time, 'observe' has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, from simply noticing something to conducting scientific experiments. The word reflects humanity's innate curiosity and desire to understand the world around us.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,676, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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