observe verb [T] (WATCH)
B2 formal
- In Istanbul, East and West fuse together in a way that is fascinating to observe.
- The satellite will observe objects that are particularly interesting astronomically.
- Some scientists believe that there is about ten times as much matter in the universe as astronomers have observed.
- The research project has been observing changes in the local population.
- Security guards are able to observe the car park using CCTV.
- accommodate
- accommodation
- all eyes are on someone/something idiom
- astigmatic
- avoid eye contact
- catch
- clock
- gawp
- get an eyeful idiom
- leer
- lock eyes (with someone) idiom
- lock your eyes on someone/something idiom
- look at something phrasal verb
- look out for someone/something phrasal verb
- look up phrasal verb
- penetrate
- scan
- shoot
- sidelong
- unseeing
observe verb [T] (NOTICE)
[ + question word ] The guards failed to observe who delivered the package.
[ + that ] In all these films one observes that directors are taking a new interest in Native American culture.
[ + infinitive without to ] A teacher observed her climb over the gate.
- sayWhen I say your name, raise your hand.
- utterShe barely uttered a word all morning.
- they sayThey say the house is haunted.
- it is saidIt is said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
- stateUnion members stated that they were unhappy with the proposal.
- remarkHe remarked that she was looking thin.
- seeI can see for miles from up here.
- noticeI noticed a crack in the ceiling.
- perceiveBill perceived a tiny figure in the distance.
- observeA teacher observed her climbing over the gate.
- spotWe managed to spot a leopard.
- catch sight ofWe looked for the bird and caught sight of it just as it flew off.
- Did you observe the make of the vehicle?
- The inspectors observed some irregularities in his tax return.
- Did you observe anything unusual about his appearance?
- Scientists have been observing variations in the thickness of the ozone layer.
- She observed a parking space next to the entrance to the building.
- accommodate
- accommodation
- all eyes are on someone/something idiom
- astigmatic
- avoid eye contact
- catch
- clock
- gawp
- get an eyeful idiom
- leer
- lock eyes (with someone) idiom
- lock your eyes on someone/something idiom
- look at something phrasal verb
- look out for someone/something phrasal verb
- look up phrasal verb
- penetrate
- scan
- shoot
- sidelong
- unseeing
observe verb [T] (SAY)
observe verb [T] (OBEY)
The old people in the village still observe the local traditions.
Do you observe Passover?
- obeyChildren must obey their parents.
- followAll religions guide youths to follow the teachings of elders and parents.
- complyThere are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations.
- observePeople must observe the law.
- adhere toThey failed to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
- abide byPlayers must abide by the referee's decision.
