Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Sighting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘€
Add to dictionary

sighting

[หˆsaษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

The act or process of seeing something, especially something unusual or difficult to see.

Synonyms

detection, observation, viewing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sighting

Sighting is used when someone sees something unusual or significant, often something momentary or rare like wildlife, UFOs, or celebrities.

  • There was a reported sighting of a rare bird in the park.
  • They claimed a UFO sighting over the city last night.
observation

Observation is used in a more general or scientific context, indicating the act of closely watching or monitoring something over a period of time to gather information or data.

  • The scientist made a careful observation of the animal's behavior.
  • His keen observation skills helped solve the mystery.
viewing

Viewing is used when someone is watching something for a period of time, often used in relation to watching shows, movies, or exhibits. It can be casual or formal.

  • The gallery is open for viewing all week.
  • We had a special viewing of the new movie before its release.
detection

Detection is used when something is discovered or identified, often with the help of a device, investigation, or scientific method. It implies an element of careful search or analysis.

  • Early detection of the disease can save lives.
  • The radar system allows for the detection of enemy aircraft.

Examples of usage

  • A sighting of a rare bird in the forest.
  • There was a reported sighting of a UFO last night.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

The act of catching sight of a target, such as in shooting or archery.

Synonyms

aiming, spotting, targeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sighting

This term is often used when observing something notable, especially for the first time. It implies that something has been seen or spotted, often linked to rare or unusual occurrences.

  • There was a rare bird sighting in the park today.
  • The sighting of the UFO created a lot of excitement in the town.
aiming

This word is generally used when one is trying to direct an action towards a goal, target, or objective. It can be both literal, as in aiming a weapon, or metaphorical, as in aiming to achieve something.

  • He was aiming his bow at the target.
  • She is aiming to become a doctor.
targeting

This word is often used in strategic contexts where a specific goal or objective is chosen and efforts are focused on it. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, especially when it refers to unwanted attention.

  • The company is targeting young adults with their new product campaign.
  • He felt that the bullies were targeting him specifically.
spotting

This term is less formal and is commonly used for casual or informal detection of objects or people. It often implies finding or recognizing something among other things.

  • She had a keen eye for spotting wildlife during their hike.
  • I had trouble spotting my friends in the crowded room.

Examples of usage

  • The archer had a perfect sighting of the bullseye.
Context #3 | Noun

in hunting

The act of seeing and identifying a specific animal or game while hunting.

Synonyms

locating, spotting, tracking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sighting

Use when noticing or seeing something, typically something rare or unusual.

  • There was a sighting of a rare bird in the forest.
  • We reported the sighting of the UFO to the authorities.
spotting

Use when noticing or identifying something quickly and often from a distance.

  • I was excited after spotting a celebrity at the mall.
  • The lifeguard is good at spotting people in trouble in the water.
tracking

Use when following or monitoring the movement or progress of something or someone.

  • The scientists are tracking the migration patterns of whales.
  • The fitness app is useful for tracking your daily steps.
locating

Use when finding or discovering the exact position or place of something.

  • He had difficulty locating his car keys.
  • The rescue team managed to locate the missing hikers.

Examples of usage

  • The hunters had a successful sighting of a deer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In astronomy, a sighting can refer to observing celestial bodies through telescopes, which helps expand our understanding of the universe.
  • In wildlife studies, tracking animal sightings helps scientists monitor populations and behaviors.

Pop Culture

  • There are many famous UFO sightings reported around the world that fuel stories, movies, and shows about extraterrestrial life.
  • The term is often used in the context of celebrity spotting, where fans get excited about seeing their favorite stars.

Literature

  • Sighting is commonly used in literature to describe critical moments when characters notice something that changes their understanding of the world.
  • In poetry, sighting can evoke deep emotions, often using vivid imagery to connect the reader to an experience of revelation or beauty.

Psychology

  • The act of sighting can trigger strong emotional responses, often linked to nostalgia or wonder.
  • Psychological studies show that unexpected sightings can enhance mood and increase feelings of happiness.

Origin of 'sighting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sighting' comes from the verb 'sight', which means to see or to catch sight of.
  • It traces back to Middle English 'sihte', which comes from the Old English 'sihรพ', meaning vision or sight.

The word 'sighting' originated from the verb 'to sight', which initially meant to catch sight of, see, or observe. Over time, 'sighting' evolved to specifically refer to the act of seeing something, especially something unusual or difficult to see. The word has been commonly used in various contexts such as nature, sports, and hunting.

See also: foresight, insight, nearsighted, oversight, sight, sightless, sightline, sights, sightseeing, sightseer, unsightliness, unsightly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,839, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.