1. To be or become aware of, especially through careful and directed attention; notice.
2. To watch attentively: observe a childs behavior.
3. To make a systematic or scientific observation of: observe the orbit of the moon.
4. To say casually; remark.
5. To adhere to or abide by: observe the terms of a contract.
6. To keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example): observe an anniversary.
v.intr.
1. To take notice.
2. To say something; make a comment or remark.
3. To watch or be present without participating actively: We were invited to the conference solely to observe.
[Middle English observen, to conform to, from Old French observer, from Latin observre, to abide by, watch : ob-, over; see ob- + servre, to keep, watch; see ser-1 in Indo-European roots.]
ob·serving·ly adv.
Synonyms: observe, keep, celebrate, commemorate, solemnize These verbs mean to give proper heed to or show proper reverence for something, such as a rule, custom, or holiday. Observe stresses compliance or respectful adherence to that which is prescribed: observe the speed limit; observe the Sabbath. Keep implies actions such as the discharge of a duty or the fulfillment of a promise: keep ones word; keep personal commitments. Celebrate emphasizes observance in the form of rejoicing or festivity: a surprise party to celebrate her birthday. To commemorate is to honor the memory of a past event: a ceremony that commemorated the career of a physician. Solemnize implies dignity and gravity in the celebration of an occasion: solemnized the funeral with a 21-gun salute. See Also Synonyms at see1.
observe /bzrv/ v. [T] -served, -serving, -serves1 to view, watch, esp. for anything unusual: A policeman observed the activity on the street.2 to remark, express an opinion: Our professor observed that we all did well on the examination.3 to see, notice: She observed a man with a large suitcase getting into a car.||Did you observe anything unusual?4 to respect or follow laws, rules, or customs: We observed Memorial Day by going to church and praying for the dead.
Thesaurus: observe1 to survey, inspect 2 to note, comment 3 to spot, detect 4 to celebrate, commemorate.
b
z
rv/ v. [T] -served, -serving, -serves 1 to view, watch, esp. for anything unusual: A policeman observed the activity on the street. 2 to remark, express an opinion: Our professor observed that we all did well on the examination. 3 to see, notice: She observed a man with a large suitcase getting into a car.||Did you observe anything unusual? 4 to respect or follow laws, rules, or customs: We observed Memorial Day by going to church and praying for the dead.
b-z?rv
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re, to abide by, watch : ob-, over; see ob- + serv