observing
word · lemma: observe
/əbˈzɝvɪŋ/
uhb-ZUR-ving
/ɒbzˈɜːvɪŋ/
ob-ZUR-ving
Definition
Watching something or someone carefully, often to learn, understand, or gather information. It can also mean following rules or customs.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in formal and scientific contexts ('observing animals', 'observing behavior'), but also for personal reflection. Can refer to watching or to adhering to customs ('observing a holiday'). Distinct from 'noticing', which is more spontaneous.
Spanish: observarPortuguese (BR): observarPortuguese (PT): observarChinese (Simplified): 观察Chinese (Traditional): 觀察Hindi: देखना - निरीक्षण करनाArabic: يراقب - يلاحظBengali: পর্যবেক্ষণ করা - মান্য করা (রীতি, নিয়ম)Russian: наблюдать - соблюдать (правила, традиции)Japanese: 観察する - 守る（習慣・ルール）Vietnamese: quan sát - tuân thủ (quy tắc, phong tục)Korean: 관찰하다 - 준수하다 (규칙, 관습)Turkish: gözlemlemek - uymak (kural, gelenek)Urdu: مشاہدہ کرنا - ماننا (قواعد، رسم و رواج)Indonesian: mengamati - mematuhi (aturan, adat)
Example Sentences
The students are observing the stars through a telescope.
basic
She is observing the birds in the park.
basic
We are observing the rules during the experiment.
basic
I've been observing how my cat behaves at night—it's fascinating.
natural
He sat quietly, observing everything going on around him.
natural
We're observing Ramadan this month.
natural