observe
gb/əbzˈɚv/ us/əbzˈɚv/
B1
English
~ 1400
megfigyel, figyel, észrevesz, észlel, betart, megtart, tiszteletben tart, megjegyez
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to observe [someone/something]
The teacher observed the students during the exam.
A tanár figyelte a diákokat a vizsga alatt.
Scientists observed the birds in their natural habitat.
A tudósok megfigyelték a madarakat természetes élőhelyükön.
He observed her reaction to the news.
We observed the workers as they repaired the road.
Learner examples
I observed the cat playing.
Megfigyeltem, ahogy a macska játszik.
She observed the children in the park.
Megfigyelte a gyerekeket a parkban.
We observed the stars at night.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'observe' with 'look at'. 'Look at' can be casual, while 'observe' suggests paying attention to details or studying something.
Meaning
Watch closely to notice details
Collocations
observe closely
|observe carefully
|observe the behavior
Synonyms
watch (More general; can be less formal or less detailed observation.)
|
monitor (Implies continuous or systematic observation, often over time.)
Antonyms
ignore (Not pay attention to something or someone.)
Themes
daily life
|science
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To look at something carefully to see what is happening.
To watch someone or something carefully, especially to notice or study details.
VERB
B1
2
Usage pattern:
to observe that [clause]
She observed that he seemed tired.
Észrevette, hogy a férfi fáradtnak tűnik.
I observed a slight change in his tone.
Észrevettem egy apró változást a hangnemében.
They observed no signs of damage.
We observed that the lights were off.
Learner examples
I observed that she was sad.
Észrevettem, hogy szomorú.
He observed a bird on the tree.
Észrevett egy madarat a fán.
We observed no cars on the street.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'see' instead of 'observe' when they mean to say they noticed something specific or important.
Meaning
Notice or perceive something
Collocations
observe that
|observe a change
|observe a difference
Synonyms
notice (More common and informal; simply becoming aware of something.)
|
perceive (More formal and can include senses beyond sight.)
Antonyms
overlook (Fail to notice something.)
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To see or notice something.
To become aware of something through careful noticing, often without intentional study.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
to observe [a law/rule/custom]
Citizens are expected to observe the law.
Az állampolgároktól elvárják, hogy betartsák a törvényeket.
They observe local customs when traveling abroad.
Amikor külföldre utaznak, tiszteletben tartják a helyi szokásokat.
The ceremony will observe strict protocol.
We must observe all safety regulations.
Learner examples
We observe the school rules.
Betartjuk az iskolai szabályokat.
They observe the holiday every year.
Minden évben megtartják ezt az ünnepet.
You must observe safety rules here.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'celebrate' when talking about holidays. 'Observe' means to follow traditions or customs, not necessarily to have fun.
Meaning
Follow a law or custom
Collocations
observe the law
|observe tradition
|observe protocol
Synonyms
comply with (Formal; stresses meeting requirements of rules or laws.)
|
follow (More general and less formal than 'observe'.)
Antonyms
break (Fail to follow a law, rule, or custom.)
Themes
law
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To do what a law, rule, or custom says you must do.
To obey or act according to a law, custom, tradition, or rule.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
4
megjegyez
B1
Usage pattern:
to observe that [clause]
She observed that the weather was unusually warm for October.
Megjegyezte, hogy októberhez képest szokatlanul meleg volt az idő.
He observed dryly that nothing had changed.
Szárazon megjegyezte, hogy semmi sem változott.
The judge observed that the witness seemed nervous.
Learner examples
He observed that it was raining.
Megjegyezte, hogy esik az eső.
She observed that he looked tired.
Megjegyezte, hogy a férfi fáradtnak látszik.
They observed that no one was there.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'say' instead of 'observe' in formal contexts. 'Observe' here is more formal and often used in reporting speech in writing.
Meaning
Make a remark about something noticed
Collocations
observe wryly
|observe drily
|observe politely
Synonyms
remark (Neutral; simply making a comment.)
|
note (Often used for making factual observations.)
Antonyms
withhold comment (Not make any comment about what was noticed.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To say something about what you see or know.
To make a statement about something you have noticed.
Grammar
Dictionary form
observe
IPA
GB/əbzˈɚv/
US/əbzˈɚv/
Syllables & stress
ob - serve (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (serve)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: observe
- 3rd Person Singular: observes
- Present Participle: observing
- Past: observed
Word family
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
Expressions
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.
Examples
- 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.
Examples
- 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.
Examples
- Please observe the rules while using the library.
- Drivers must observe the rules of the road at all times.