ob|serv´er

ob|serve «uhb ZURV», verb, -served, -serv|ing, noun.

–v.t.

1. to see and note; notice: »

Did you observe anything strange in that boy's behavior? I saw the pots…red-hot…and observed that they did not crack at all (Daniel Defoe). ... the distant radio sources observed by radio-astronomers (Fred Hoyle).

SYNONYM(S): perceive. See syn. under see. (Cf. ↑see)

2. to examine carefully; watch; study: »

An astronomer observes the stars. The spy observed the enemy's military installations.

SYNONYM(S): survey.

3. to remark; comment: »

“Bad weather,” the captain observed.

SYNONYM(S): mention.

4. to follow in practice; keep: »

We must observe silence in the classroom. Please observe the rule about not walking on the grass.

5. to show regard for; celebrate: »

to observe the Sabbath, to observe birthdays and anniversaries.

6. Obsolete. to treat with respect.

–v.i.

1. to take notice.

2. to make observations.

3. to make a remark or observation; comment (on).

–n.

Scottish. a remark; observation: »

Thomas said he had not heard a mair sound observe for some time (John Galt).

╂[< Latin observāre < ob- over + servāre to watch, keep]

–ob|serv´er, noun.