The Meaning of OBSERVE – OBSERVE in a Sentence

This video provides 3 illustrated examples, one for each of the 3 meanings of OBSERVE. Take a moment to look at the picture, then listen and read the sentence example. Then make sure you understand the sentence. Look up in a dictionary any other words you do not understand.

At the end of the video, common collocations are listed in which the word OBSERVE is often found. You will also find a list of common synonyms.

Here is a transcript of the video: What is the Meaning and Definition of OBSERVE?

Slide 2:
OBSERVE (v.)
Pronounced: ob◦SERVE
Definition:
1. to watch with full attention, noticing something as being significant
The clipart shows a pair of binoculars for watching something closely
2. to make a casual remark, to comment
The clipart shows a speech bubble
3. to abide by, to comply
The clipart shows a person in uniform saluting, a gesture indicating respect or obedience to a command

Slide 3:
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Now let’s look at some examples of how to use the word observe. First, the idea of watching or looking at something with full attention.

Slide 4:
The picture shows a man and woman carefully studying a piece of artwork at an exhibition.

Sentence example: An art exhibition gives a person an opportunity to observe, think, and ponder.

In other words, when you go to an art exhibition, you have chance to study paintings or pieces of art carefully, and think deeply about the meaning, or the viewpoint of the artist.

Next we’ll see an example of using the word observe to denote a comment or remark . . .

Slide 5:
The picture shows a couple sitting in a cafe and the wife is studying a map.

Sentence example: “I think it’s too far for us to walk” she observed, looking at the map.

In other words, after finding their destination on the map, the woman commented that she thought it was too far to walk and they would need transport.

Finally, let’s see an example of observe when it means to comply or obey something.

Slide 6:
The picture shows people in Cambodia, in traditional dress.

Sentence example: With approximately 29 public holidays a year, Cambodia observes more holidays than almost any other country in the world.

In other words, Cambodia is one of the top countries in the world for the number of public holidays it has, complying with government decisions to make approximately 29 holidays a year.

Slide 7:
Remember, OBSERVE means: 1. to watch with full attention, noticing something as being significant, 2. to make a casual remark, to comment, 3. to abide by, to comply. Synonyms include:
notice
study
watch
comply
remark
declare

Slide 8:
and some common collocations are:

watching and observing
it was observed that . . .
observe what happened
“[comment]” she/he observed
observe the holiday
observe the commemoration
observe the rules

Slide 9:
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If you are interested in the meaning of OBSERVE, be sure to check this entry in The Illustrated Dictionary:
What is the Meaning of PLEASANT?

Image Credits

Slide 4 – art exhibition
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/dsGinp

Slide 5 – looking at map
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/Rn7hQa

Slide 6 – Cambodia
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/2iyBzur

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode