observed |əbˈzərvd|
verb [ trans. ]
1 notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant : [with clause ] young people observe that decisions are made by others.
• watch (someone or something) carefully and attentively : Rob stood in the hallway, where he could observe the happenings on the street.
• take note of or detect (something) in the course of a scientific study : the behavior observed in groups of chimpanzees.
• [ reporting verb ] make a remark or comment : [with direct speech ] “It's chilly,” she observed | [with clause ] a stockbroker once observed that dealers live and work in hell.
2 fulfill or comply with (a social, legal, ethical, or religious obligation) : a tribunal must observe the principles of natural justice.
• (usu. be observed) maintain (silence) in compliance with a rule or custom, or temporarily as a mark of respect : a minute's silence will be observed.
• perform or take part in (a rite or ceremony) : relations gather to observe the funeral rites.
• celebrate or acknowledge (an anniversary) : many observed the one-year anniversary of the flood.
DERIVATIVES
observable |əbˈzərvəbəl| adjective
observably |-blē| |əbˈzərvəbli| adverb
ORIGIN late Middle English (sense 2) : from Old French observer, from Latin observare ‘to watch,’ from ob- ‘toward’ + servare ‘attend to, look at.’
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