observe

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   make mention of

   I observed that the presentation took up more time than it was worth.

2. 2
   verb

   watch attentively

   Please observe the reaction of these two chemicals

3. 3
   verb

   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.

4. 4
   verb

   To follow or obey the custom, practice, or rules (especially of a religion).

   Please observe all posted speed limits.

5. 5
   verb

   To take note of and celebrate (a holiday or similar occurrence), to keep; to follow (a type of time or calendar reckoning).

   Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread.

6. 6
   verb

   To comment on something; to make an observation.

   The senator observed that the bill would be detrimental to his constituents.

7. 7
   noun

   An observation (remark, comment or judgement).

   “It sticks in my mind that he would take it very ill,” says Alan. “But the little man cried to me to run, and indeed I thought it was a good observe, and ran. The last that I saw they were all in a knot upon the beach, like folk that were not agreeing very well together.”

8. 8
   verb

   stick to correctly or closely

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”).