observer
gb/əbzˈɚvɚ/ us/əbzˈɚvɚ/
B1
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
person watching an event
Someone who looks at or watches something but does not join in.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an observer at [event]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'observer' with 'observatory', which is a building for watching stars.
Synonyms
spectator (Often used for people watching sports or entertainment events.)
|
onlooker (Suggests watching something happening in public, often unexpectedly.)
Antonyms
participant (Someone who takes part in the event rather than just watching.)
Collocations
casual observer
|independent observer
|outside observer
|political observer
|keen observer
Themes
daily life
|sports
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The observers took detailed notes during the experiment.
- As an observer at the trial, she was not allowed to speak.
- Several international observers monitored the election process.
- From his position on the hill, he was merely an observer to the battle.
- The teacher asked one student to act as an observer during the group activity.
Learner examples
- I was an observer at the football game.
- She is an observer in the science class.
- The observer did not talk during the meeting.
- He worked as an observer for the news team.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
2
official monitor or inspector
A person whose job is to watch and check what happens and give a report.
Synonyms
inspector (More focused on checking for compliance or problems.)
|
monitor (Emphasizes ongoing observation and recording of information.)
Antonyms
actor (In this context, someone who plays an active role instead of just monitoring.)
Collocations
UN observer
|election observer
|military observer
|international observer
Themes
politics
|military
|science
|work
Examples
- United Nations observers were sent to oversee the ceasefire.
- The government invited foreign observers to ensure a fair vote.
- Military observers recorded troop movements along the border.
- An independent observer confirmed the results of the survey.
Learner examples
- The UN sent observers to watch the peace talks.
- Election observers came from many countries.
- The observer wrote a report about the meeting.
Noun
B2
entity
3
person noticing details carefully
Someone who sees and understands small details in what they watch.
Synonyms
watcher (General term for someone who looks at things; may lack the idea of careful attention.)
|
noticer (Informal and less common; focuses on seeing things others might miss.)
Antonyms
overlooker (Someone who misses important details while looking.)
Collocations
sharp observer
|keen observer
|careful observer
Themes
daily life
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is a keen observer of human behavior.
- Only a careful observer would notice the subtle changes in his mood.
- As an observer of nature, he kept detailed field notes.
- The author proves herself an acute observer of modern society.
Learner examples
- He is a good observer of people.
- A careful observer can see the problem.
- She is an observer of small details.
Grammar
Dictionary form
observer
IPA
GB/əbzˈɚvɚ/
US/əbzˈɚvɚ/
Syllables & stress
ob - serv - er (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (serv)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: observer
- Plural: observers
Word family
Forms
observers
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unobservant
adjective
unobservable
adjective
Advanced or less common
observance
noun B2
Expressions
casual observer
1/kˈæʒuəl əbzˈɚvɚ/
fixed phrase
person with superficial view
A person who sees something but does not know much about it or look closely.
Examples
- To a casual observer, the two paintings look identical.
- A casual observer might think the meeting went well, but there were problems.
keen observer
1/kˈin əbzˈɚvɚ/
fixed phrase
person noticing details carefully
Someone who looks very carefully and sees small details.
Examples
- She is a keen observer of fashion trends.
- A keen observer will see that the rules have changed.
outside observer
1/ˈaʊtsaɪd əbzˈɚvɚ/
fixed phrase
viewer from outside group or event
Someone who watches but is not part of the group or event.
Examples
- To an outside observer, their argument seemed trivial.
- The project looked successful to outside observers.