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Definition observe in British English

observe

verb

▪ drily, justly, perceptively, rightly, shrewdly, tartly

1

to notice someone doing something, or to notice something happening

Example

Similar trends may be observed in most modern societies.

Example

James had already observed that she was not listening.

Example

I observed him putting the watch into his pocket.

Synonyms and related words
see make out spot observe recognize observe
1.1

to watch or study someone or something with care and attention in order to discover something

Example

All evening Jane observed his behaviour closely.

Example

We observed 120 women interacting with their babies and compared them with 120 men.

Synonyms and related words
surveille watch observe
2

to accept and obey something such as a rule or an agreement

Example

The proper procedures must be strictly observed.

Example

Rebel forces say they will no longer observe the peace agreement.

Synonyms and related words
obey observe comply comply
Example

Russians observed a day of mourning for the victims.

Example

a nationally observed holiday

Synonyms and related words
custom tradition practice
3

to make a written or spoken comment about someone or something

Example

'You always arrive at the right time,' he observed drily.

Example

In his book he observes that the President was an able diplomat.

Synonyms and related words
express comment speak out speak out
Definition observe in British English

Related Words

Words related to observe:

observe a silence ()