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observe(verb)/əbˈzɜːv/ /əbˈzɜːrv/Verb Forms- to see or notice somebody/something
- Have you observed any changes lately?
- All the characters in the novel are closely observed (= seem like people in real life).
- I want you to observe all the details.
- The patterns observed in our study may represent a general rule.
- The police observed a man enter the bank.
- They observed him entering the bank.
- She observed that all the chairs were already occupied.
- He was observed to follow her closely.
Extra Examples- It is the parents who actually observe these behavioural problems in their children.
- She correctly observed that there was very little difference between the two parties on domestic policies.
- This behaviour is commonly observed among several species of finch.
- to watch somebody/something carefully, especially to learn more about them
- He observes keenly, but says little.
- I felt he was observing everything I did.
- The patients were observed over a period of several months.
- an observed decrease in rainfall in the area
- The program provided an opportunity to observe the effects of treatment.
- The cells were observed under a microscope.
- The patient should be observed for signs of an allergic reaction.
- They observed how the parts of the machine fitted together.
Extra Examples- You can learn a lot by simply observing.
- She was unaware that she was being observed from the window.
- It is interesting to observe the reaction of the children to these changes.
- She stood there, quietly observing the domestic scene.
- to make a remark
- She observed that it was getting late.
Extra Examples- ‘It's easy to say that,’ she observed to Michael, ‘but can you prove it?’
- ‘You took your time, ’ he observed coolly.
- The only certainties in this world, as Benjamin Franklin famously observed, are death and taxes.
- The Area Manager observed that takings were down and decided to pay a visit.
- to obey rules, laws, etc.
- Will the rebels observe the ceasefire?
- The crowd observed a minute's silence (= were silent for one minute) in memory of those who had died.
Extra Examples- Failure to observe club rules may result in expulsion.
- This procedure must be correctly observed.
- to celebrate festivals, birthdays, etc.
- Do they observe Christmas?
Word Origin- late Middle English (in sense (5)): from Old French observer, from Latin observare ‘to watch’, from ob- ‘towards’ + servare ‘attend to, look at’.
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