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1. Dictionary

   observe

   /əbˈzəːv/

   verb

   • 1. notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant: "she observed that all the chairs were already occupied" Similar noticeseenoteperceivediscernremarkspotdetectdiscoverdistinguishmake outliterary:espydescrybeholdOpposite overlookfail to see
   • ▪ watch (someone or something) carefully and attentively: "Rob stood in the hallway, from where he could observe the happenings on the street" Similar watchseelook ateyecontemplateviewsurveyregardwitnesskeep an eye onscrutinizekeep under observationkeep watch onkeep under surveillancemonitorkeep under scrutinywatch like a hawkkeep a weather eye onspy oncheck outreconnoitreinformal:get a load ofkeep tabs onkeep a tab oncasekeep a beady eye onclocktake a dekko/butcher's/gander/shufti atrecceeyeballarchaic:twigrare:surveil
   • ▪ take note of or detect (something) in the course of a scientific study: "the behaviour observed in groups of chimpanzees"
   • 2. make a remark: "‘It's chilly,’ she observed" Similar commentremarksaymentionnotedeclareannouncestateutterpronounceinterposeinterjectformal:opine
   • 3. fulfil or comply with (a social, legal, ethical, or religious obligation): "a tribunal must observe the principles of natural justice" Similar comply withabide bykeepobeyadhere toconform toheedhonourrespectbe heedful ofpay attention tofollowacquiesce inconsent toacceptdefer tofulfilstand byOpposite disregardignorebreak
   • ▪ maintain (silence) in compliance with a rule or custom, or temporarily as a mark of respect: "a minute's silence will be observed"
   • ▪ perform or take part in (a rite or ceremony): "relations gather to observe the funeral rites"
   • ▪ celebrate or acknowledge (an anniversary): "they observed the one-year anniversary of the flood" Similar participate inpartake inbe present atcelebratekeepcommemoratesolemnizemarkmemorializerememberrecognize

   Word Origin late Middle English (in observe (sense 3)): from Old French observer, from Latin observare ‘to watch’, from ob- ‘towards’ + servare ‘attend to, look at’.

   Scrabble Points: 12

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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › observeObserve Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › observe

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   Nov 1, 2015 · The meaning of OBSERVE is to conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with. How to use observe in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Observe.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishOBSERVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   OBSERVE definition: 1. to watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in…. Learn more.

4. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishOBSERVE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   5 meanings: 1. to see; perceive; notice 2. to watch (something) carefully; pay attention to (something) 3. to make observations.... Click for more definitions.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › observeOBSERVE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › observe

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   to watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in order to learn more about it: The role of scientists is to observe and describe the world, not to try to control it. [ + question word ] He spent a year in the jungle, observing how deforestation is affecting local tribes.

6. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionobserve verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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   Definition of observe verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.