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v. ob·served, ob·serv·ing, ob·serves v.tr. 1. a. To be or become aware of, especially through careful and directed attention; notice: observed a car leaving the property. b. To watch attentively: observe a child's behavior. c. To make a systematic or scientific observation of: observe the orbit of a comet. 2. To say casually; remark: "'It's nice to have somebody to wait on you,' she observed, with a laugh" (Upton Sinclair). 3. a. To adhere to or abide by; comply with: observe the terms of a contract. b. To act in acknowledgment of (a holiday, for example); keep or celebrate: observe an anniversary. c. To maintain (silence or a period of silence), as out of respect for someone who has died. v.intr. 1. To take notice: stood by the window observing. 2. To say something; make a comment or remark: observed upon the unusual weather. 3. To watch or be present without participating actively: We were invited to the conference solely to observe. [Middle English observen, to conform to, from Old French observer, from Latin observāre, to abide by, watch : ob-, over; see OB- + servāre, to keep, watch; see ser-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ob·serving·ly adv. Synonyms: observe, keep, celebrate, commemorate, solemnize These verbs mean to give proper heed to or show proper reverence for something, such as a custom or holiday. Observe and keep stress compliance or respectful adherence to that which is prescribed: observes the Sabbath; keeps the holiday traditions. Celebrate emphasizes observance in the form of rejoicing or festivity: a surprise party to celebrate her birthday. To commemorate is to honor the memory of a past event: a ceremony that commemorated the career of a physician. Solemnize implies dignity and gravity in the celebration of an occasion: solemnized the funeral with a 21-gun salute. See Also Synonyms at see1. |
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