Observing: meaning, definitions and examples

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observing

[əbˈzɜːvɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

science

To notice or perceive something and register it as being significant. Observing often involves using the senses and paying attention to detail.

Synonyms

noticing, perceiving, watching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observing	Use when someone is carefully watching something or studying it over a period of time. Often used in scientific or detailed settings. She is observing the behavior of birds for her research. He spent the afternoon observing the bustling city streets.
watching	Applied when someone is looking at something for a period of time, often for enjoyment or supervision. Can be more casual. He enjoys watching movies on weekends. The babysitter is watching the kids while the parents are out.
noticing	Best for moments when someone becomes aware of something, usually in a casual or immediate context. I noticed a small stain on my shirt. He didn't notice the new painting on the wall.
perceiving	Used when someone becomes aware of something through their senses or understands something in a particular way. Often has an emphasis on the interpretation or awareness. She perceived a sense of sadness in his voice. They perceived the change in the atmosphere immediately.

Examples of usage

She spent hours observing the behavior of the birds in the park.
Scientists have been observing the effects of climate change on the environment.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

formal

To watch carefully, especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of gaining information or understanding.

Synonyms

inspect, monitor, scrutinize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
observing	This term is generally used when you are watching something attentively over a period of time to gather information. It has a neutral connotation. She spent hours observing the behavior of birds at the park The teacher was observing the students during the test
scrutinize	Used when examining something closely and critically, often looking for mistakes or issues. It carries a more intense and sometimes negative connotation. The judge will scrutinize all the documents before making a decision The auditors began to scrutinize the company's financial records
monitor	Often used in a technical or official context to mean watching or checking something over a period of time for a specific purpose. The nurse will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the night We need to monitor the progress of the construction project closely
inspect	Used when you are looking at something very carefully, especially for flaws or problems. It often implies a thorough examination. The mechanic will inspect the car to find out what's wrong The health inspector came to inspect the restaurant's kitchen

Examples of usage

The detective was observing the suspect from across the street.
The teacher observed the students during the exam.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that active observation can improve memory retention – the more you notice, the more you remember.
Studies in behavioral psychology reveal that observing others can help us learn new tasks, a phenomenon called social learning.
Mindfulness practices often involve observing thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping reduce stress.

Science

In scientific research, observing is crucial for collecting data, allowing scientists to form reliable conclusions about phenomena.
Astronomers rely on observing celestial bodies through telescopes to gather information about the universe’s structure and behavior.
Observing animal behaviors in their natural habitats provides insights into their ecosystems and survival tactics.

Art

Artists are trained to observe their surroundings to capture detailed images, enhancing their ability to depict reality.
The 'Observational Drawing' technique emphasizes accurate representation of subjects from life, developing eye-hand coordination.
Famous artists like Vincent van Gogh drew inspiration from careful observation of everyday life, turning it into beautiful art.

Education

Teachers use observing as a method to assess students’ learning styles and adapt their teaching accordingly.
Classroom observation is a common practice for educators to improve their teaching skills by learning from peers.
Learning by observing involves watching how others solve problems, which can be more effective than traditional instruction methods.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, observing rituals and traditions helps pass knowledge from one generation to the next.
Cultural anthropologists observe communities to understand diverse lifestyles and beliefs, contributing to cultural preservation.
Festivals often involve observing particular customs that represent a community's heritage and values.

Translations

Translations of the word "observing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 observando

🇮🇳 निरीक्षण करना

🇩🇪 beobachten

🇮🇩 mengamati

🇺🇦 спостерігати

🇵🇱 obserwować

🇯🇵 観察する (かんさつする)

🇫🇷 observer

🇪🇸 observando

🇹🇷 gözlemlemek

🇰🇷 관찰하다

🇸🇦 يراقب

🇨🇿 pozorovat

🇸🇰 pozorovať

🇨🇳 观察 (guānchá)

🇸🇮 opazovati

🇮🇸 skoða

🇰🇿 бақылау

🇬🇪 დაკვირვება

🇦🇿 müşahidə etmək

🇲🇽 observando

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,262 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5259 realization
5260 degradation
5261 supplying
5262 observing
5263 specialists
5264 consistency
5265 dirty
...