observation
gb/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1900
megfigyelés, észrevétel, megjegyzés, betartás, megtartás
NOUN
B1
1
megfigyelés
B1
Usage pattern:
make [an observation] about [something]
The police kept the suspect under close observation.
A rendőrség szoros megfigyelés alatt tartotta a gyanúsítottat.
Through careful observation, the scientist discovered a new insect species.
Gondos megfigyelés révén a tudós felfedezett egy új rovarfajt.
The teacher made an observation about the students' progress.
He remained under medical observation for 24 hours after the accident.
Observation of the birds revealed interesting patterns in their behavior.
Learner examples
The doctor kept me under observation overnight.
Az orvos éjszakára bent tartott megfigyelésre.
We learned a lot from our observation of the stars.
Sokat tanultunk a csillagok megfigyeléséből.
Her observation of the children was very careful.
I made an observation about the weather.
They used a telescope for their observation.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'observation' (the act of watching) with 'observance' (following a rule or tradition).
Meaning
careful watching or noticing
Collocations
close observation
|under observation
|careful observation
|direct observation
|make an observation
Synonyms
watching (Less formal and more general; does not always imply detailed attention.)
|
monitoring (Often used in technical or scientific contexts for continuous checking.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to notice or pay attention to something.)
Themes
science
|daily life
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The act of looking at something carefully to learn about it.
The action or process of watching, monitoring, or paying close attention to something or someone.
NOUN
B2
2
észrevétel
B1
megjegyzés
B1
Usage pattern:
make [an observation] about [something]
She made an interesting observation about the differences between the two paintings.
Érdekes észrevételt tett a két festmény közötti különbségekről.
His observations on modern politics are always insightful.
A modern politikával kapcsolatos észrevételei mindig éleslátók.
During the meeting, he offered several useful observations.
That was a sharp observation about her change in mood.
Learner examples
He made an observation about my new haircut.
Megjegyzést tett az új frizurámra.
Her observation was short but true.
Az észrevétele rövid volt, de igaz.
I liked his observation about the movie.
She made an observation about the food.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this sense with 'opinion'; 'observation' suggests it comes from noticing facts, not just personal preference.
Meaning
remark based on noticing
Collocations
casual observation
|sharp observation
|interesting observation
|critical observation
Synonyms
comment (General term for spoken or written remarks; may not imply careful thought.)
|
remark (Similar in meaning; often shorter or more spontaneous than 'observation'.)
Antonyms
silence (Not making any comment or remark.)
Themes
communication
|daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A comment you make after seeing or thinking about something.
A spoken or written comment that is based on something noticed or experienced.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
in observation of [a law/custom]
The festival is held in observation of an ancient tradition.
A fesztivált egy ősi hagyományt követve rendezik meg.
The company acted in strict observation of safety regulations.
A vállalat a biztonsági előírások szigorú betartásával járt el.
In observation of the holiday, all offices will be closed.
Learner examples
They stopped work in observation of the holiday.
Az ünnep tiszteletére leálltak a munkával.
We have to wear helmets in observation of safety rules.
A biztonsági szabályoknak megfelelően sisakot kell viselnünk.
The school closed in observation of the national day.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with 'observance', which is more common for this meaning; 'observation' in this sense is less frequent and more formal.
Meaning
following a law or custom
Collocations
in observation of the law
|strict observation of rules
|religious observation
Synonyms
compliance (More formal; often used in legal or business contexts.)
|
observance (Close synonym; often interchangeable but more common in formal writing.)
Antonyms
violation (Breaking a law or rule.)
Themes
law
|culture
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Doing what a law, rule, or custom says you must do.
The act of following or complying with a law, custom, tradition, or requirement.
Grammar
Dictionary form
observation
IPA
GB/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
ob - ser - va - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ser)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: observation
- Plural: observation, observations
Word family
Forms
observations
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unobserved
adjective
unobservable
adjective
Advanced or less common
observational
adjective C1
Expressions
close observation
1/klˈoʊs ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
careful and detailed watching
Looking at someone or something very carefully and for some time.
Examples
- The baby was kept under close observation by the nurse.
- Close observation revealed that the machine was overheating.
make an observation
1/mˈeɪk ən ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
state remark based on noticing something
To say something you noticed or thought about after looking at something carefully.
Examples
- During the meeting, he made an observation about sales trends.
- I’d like to make an observation before we move on.
under observation
1/ˈʌndɚ ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
being watched carefully for changes/problems
Being watched closely to check for any changes or problems.
Examples
- The patient will remain under observation for 48 hours.
- After the incident, she was kept under police observation.