Engelsk

observe

gb/əbzˈɚv/ us/əbzˈɚv/
B1 Engelsk
~ 1400
Betydninger
0 betydninger
Udsagnsord B1 action
1

Watch closely to notice details

To look at something carefully to see what is happening.

Brugsmønster: to observe [someone/something]
Typisk fejl:
Learners sometimes confuse 'observe' with 'look at'. 'Look at' can be casual, while 'observe' suggests paying attention to details or studying something.
Synonymer
watch (More general; can be less formal or less detailed observation.) | monitor (Implies continuous or systematic observation, often over time.)
Antonymer
ignore (Not pay attention to something or someone.)
Ordforbindelser
observe closely |observe carefully |observe the behavior
Temaer
daily life |science |work |core_vocabulary
Eksempler
  • The teacher observed the students during the exam.
  • Scientists observed the birds in their natural habitat.
  • He observed her reaction to the news.
  • We observed the workers as they repaired the road.
Læringseksempler
  • I observed the cat playing.
  • She observed the children in the park.
  • We observed the stars at night.
Udsagnsord B1 action
2

Notice or perceive something

To see or notice something.

Brugsmønster: to observe that [clause]
Typisk fejl:
Learners may overuse 'see' instead of 'observe' when they mean to say they noticed something specific or important.
Synonymer
notice (More common and informal; simply becoming aware of something.) | perceive (More formal and can include senses beyond sight.)
Antonymer
overlook (Fail to notice something.)
Ordforbindelser
observe that |observe a change |observe a difference
Temaer
daily life |core_vocabulary
Eksempler
  • She observed that he seemed tired.
  • I observed a slight change in his tone.
  • They observed no signs of damage.
  • We observed that the lights were off.
Læringseksempler
  • I observed that she was sad.
  • He observed a bird on the tree.
  • We observed no cars on the street.
Udsagnsord formal B2 action
3

Follow a law or custom

To do what a law, rule, or custom says you must do.

Brugsmønster: to observe [a law/rule/custom]
Typisk fejl:
Learners may confuse this with 'celebrate' when talking about holidays. 'Observe' means to follow traditions or customs, not necessarily to have fun.
Synonymer
comply with (Formal; stresses meeting requirements of rules or laws.) | follow (More general and less formal than 'observe'.)
Antonymer
break (Fail to follow a law, rule, or custom.)
Ordforbindelser
observe the law |observe tradition |observe protocol
Temaer
law |culture |core_vocabulary
Eksempler
  • Citizens are expected to observe the law.
  • They observe local customs when traveling abroad.
  • The ceremony will observe strict protocol.
  • We must observe all safety regulations.
Læringseksempler
  • We observe the school rules.
  • They observe the holiday every year.
  • You must observe safety rules here.
Udsagnsord formal B2 action
4

Make a remark about something noticed

To say something about what you see or know.

Brugsmønster: to observe that [clause]
Typisk fejl:
Learners sometimes use 'say' instead of 'observe' in formal contexts. 'Observe' here is more formal and often used in reporting speech in writing.
Synonymer
remark (Neutral; simply making a comment.) | note (Often used for making factual observations.)
Antonymer
withhold comment (Not make any comment about what was noticed.)
Ordforbindelser
observe wryly |observe drily |observe politely
Temaer
communication |core_vocabulary
Eksempler
  • She observed that the weather was unusually warm for October.
  • He observed dryly that nothing had changed.
  • The judge observed that the witness seemed nervous.
Læringseksempler
  • He observed that it was raining.
  • She observed that he looked tired.
  • They observed that no one was there.
Grammatik
Opslagsform
observe
IPA
GB/əbzˈɚv/
US/əbzˈɚv/
Stavelser og tryk
ob - serve (2 stavelser)
Stress on 2nd syllable (serve)
Ordformer
Verb
  • Base: observe
  • 3rd Person Singular: observes
  • Present Participle: observing
  • Past: observed
Ordfamilie
Forms
observes verb observing verb observed verb
Core family
observation noun B1 observer noun B1
Related words
observant adjective observable adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
unobserved adjective unobservant adjective
Advanced or less common
observational adjective C1 observatory noun B2 observance noun B2
Udtryk

observe a holiday

1
/əbzˈɚv ə hˈɑlɪdˌeɪ/
fixed phrase

Celebrate or mark a holiday according to tradition

To take part in activities or customs for a holiday.

Eksempler
  • Many countries observe Independence Day with fireworks.
  • They observe the holiday with a family meal every year.

observe silence

2
/əbzˈɚv sˈaɪləns/
fixed phrase formal

Remain silent for a set time

To stay completely quiet for a period of time, usually to show respect or remember someone.

Eksempler
  • The crowd observed silence in memory of the victims.
  • We will observe silence for two minutes at noon.

observe the rules

3
/əbzˈɚv ðə ɹˈulz/
fixed phrase

Follow established rules or guidelines

To do what the rules say you must do.

Eksempler
  • Please observe the rules while using the library.
  • Drivers must observe the rules of the road at all times.

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