observation
gb/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɑbzɚvˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
careful watching or noticing
The act of looking at something carefully to learn about it.
Usage pattern:
make [an observation] about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'observation' (the act of watching) with 'observance' (following a rule or tradition).
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.)
Collocations
close observation
|under observation
|careful observation
|direct observation
|make an observation
Themes
science
|daily life
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police kept the suspect under close observation.
- Through careful observation, the scientist discovered a new insect species.
- 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.
- We learned a lot from our observation of the stars.
- Her observation of the children was very careful.
- I made an observation about the weather.
- They used a telescope for their observation.
Noun
B2
entity
2
remark based on noticing
A comment you make after seeing or thinking about something.
Usage pattern:
make [an observation] about [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this sense with 'opinion'; 'observation' suggests it comes from noticing facts, not just personal preference.
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.)
Collocations
casual observation
|sharp observation
|interesting observation
|critical observation
Themes
communication
|daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She made an interesting observation about the differences between the two paintings.
- His observations on modern politics are always insightful.
- 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.
- Her observation was short but true.
- I liked his observation about the movie.
- She made an observation about the food.
Noun
formal
C1
action
3
following a law or custom
Doing what a law, rule, or custom says you must do.
Usage pattern:
in observation of [a law/custom]
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.
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.)
Collocations
in observation of the law
|strict observation of rules
|religious observation
Themes
law
|culture
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The festival is held in observation of an ancient tradition.
- The company acted in strict observation of safety regulations.
- In observation of the holiday, all offices will be closed.
Learner examples
- They stopped work in observation of the holiday.
- We have to wear helmets in observation of safety rules.
- The school closed in observation of the national day.
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.