observe

verb ob·serve \əb-ˈzərv\

: to watch and sometimes also listen to (someone or something) carefully

: to see and notice (someone or something)

: to make a comment about something you notice

ob·servedob·serv·ing

Full Definition of OBSERVE

transitive verb

: to conform one's action or practice to (as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with

: to inspect or take note of as an augury, omen, or presage

: to celebrate or solemnize (as a ceremony or festival) in a customary or accepted way

a : to watch carefully especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment

b : to make a scientific observation on or of

: to come to realize or know especially through consideration of noted facts

: to utter as a remark

intransitive verb

a : to take notice

b : to make observations : watch

: remark, comment

— ob·serv·ing·ly \-ˈzər-viŋ-lē\ adverb

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Origin of OBSERVE

Middle English, from Anglo-French observer, from Latin observare to guard, watch, observe, from ob- in the way, toward + servare to keep — more at conserve

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OBSERVE

Synonyms: adhere (to), comply (with), conform (to), follow, goose-step (to), mind, obey

Antonyms: defy, disobey, rebel (against)

Synonym Discussion of OBSERVE

keep, observe, celebrate, commemorate mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating <kept the Sabbath by refraining from work>. observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance <not all holidays are observed nationally>. celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity <traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner>. commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event <commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths>.

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control <keep this while I'm gone>. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. detain suggests a delay in letting go <detained them for questioning>. withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go <withheld information from the authorities>. reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use <reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.