English

observe

əbˈzɝːv, əbˈzɜrv, ɒbˈzɜːv, əbˈzɜːv, əbˈzɝv
Meaning: to watch carefully; to notice; to obey a rule or custom
Part of Speech: Verb Alternative Readings: əbˈzɜrv, ɒbˈzɜːv, əbˈzɜːv, əbˈzɝv

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Verb inflections

Form Inflected form
Base observe
3rd person singular present observes
Present participle observing
Past observed
Will future will observe
Going-to future going to observe
Imperative negative don't observe / do not observe

Example sentences

The guards failed to observe who delivered the package.
The guards failed to observe who delivered the package.
The astronomer spent the entire night observing distant galaxies through the telescope.
The astronomer spent the entire night observing distant galaxies through the telescope.
Astronomers observed a distant nova that suddenly brightened the night sky.
Astronomers observed a distant nova that suddenly brightened the night sky.
The scientist spent hours observing microscopic organisms through the lens.
The scientist spent hours observing microscopic organisms through the lens.
As a new trainee at the law firm, she spent most of her time observing senior partners.
As a new trainee at the law firm, she spent most of her time observing senior partners.

Usage Notes

Often means to watch something carefully to learn about it. It can also mean to notice something or to follow a rule, law, or custom.

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