observation

word

/ˌɑbzɝˈveɪʃən/
ahb-zur-VAY-shuhn
/ɒbzəvˈeɪʃən/
ob-zuh-VAY-shuhn

Definition

The act of watching something carefully in order to notice facts or changes. It can also mean a comment or remark about something you have noticed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in everyday, academic, and scientific English. 'Observation' is often more formal than 'comment' when it means a remark. Frequent collocations include 'careful observation', 'make an observation', and 'under observation'.

Example Sentences

The doctor kept the patient under observation overnight.

basic

Her observation of birds helped her learn their habits.

basic

He made an interesting observation about the painting.

basic

Just from one observation, she knew something was wrong.

natural

That's a fair observation, and I can see why you think that.

natural

After a few weeks of observation, the team changed its plan.

natural