observe
To notice or view, especially carefully or with attention to detail.
Verb 4 meanings
To notice or view, especially carefully or with attention to detail.
“From this vantage point we can observe the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat.”
To follow or obey the custom, practice, or rules (especially of a religion).
“Please observe all posted speed limits.”
To take note of and celebrate (a holiday or similar occurrence), to keep; to follow (a type of time or calendar reckoning).
To comment on something; to make an observation.
“The senator observed that the bill would be detrimental to his constituents.”
Etymology
From Middle French observer, from Old French observer, from Latin observō (“to watch”), from ob- (“before”) + servō (“to keep”), from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to guard”). Cognate with Gothic 𐍃𐌰𐍂𐍅𐌰 (sarwa, “weapons, armour”), Old English searu (“device”).
Similar and opposite words
OBSERVE at a glance
OBSERVE has 7 letters and scores 12 points in Scrabble (O 1 + B 3 + S 1 + E 1 + R 1 + V 4 + E 1) and 14 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #6,393 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with observe
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