observe verb [ T ] (WATCH)
B2 formal to watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in order to learn more about it:
[ + question word ] He spent a year in the jungle, observing how deforestation is affecting local tribes.
More examples
- 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.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
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.
More examples
- 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.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
observe verb [ T ] (OBEY)
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
observable
adjective uk
/əbˈzɜː.və.bəl/ us
/əbˈzɝː.və.bəl/
›
There's no observable connection between the two events.
observably
adverb uk
/əbˈzɜː.və.bli/ us
/əbˈzɝː.və.bli/
