observe meaning and definition

OBSERVE verb

Definition of observe (verb)

1. discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
   • "She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water"; "We found traces of lead in the paint"
   • synonyms: detect, discover, find, notice
2. make mention of
   • "She observed that his presentation took up too much time"; "They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing"
   • synonyms: mention, note, remark
3. observe with care or pay close attention to
   • "Take note of this chemical reaction"
   • synonyms: note, take note
4. watch attentively
   • "Please observe the reaction of these two chemicals"
5. show respect towards
   • "honor your parents!"
   • synonyms: abide by, honor, honour, respect
   • antonym: disrespect
6. behave as expected during of holidays or rites
   • "Keep the commandments"; "celebrate Christmas"; "Observe Yom Kippur"
   • synonyms: celebrate, keep
7. follow with the eyes or the mind
   • "Keep an eye on the baby, please!"; "The world is watching Sarajevo"; "She followed the men with the binoculars"
   • synonyms: follow, keep an eye on, watch, watch over
8. stick to correctly or closely
   • "The pianist kept time with the metronome"; "keep count"; "I cannot keep track of all my employees"
   • synonyms: keep, maintain
9. conform one's action or practice to
   • "keep appointments"; "she never keeps her promises"; "We kept to the original conditions of the contract"
   • synonyms: keep
   • antonym: breach