observe
gb/əbzˈɚv/ us/əbzˈɚv/
B1
Kiingereza
~ 1400
Maana
maana 0
Kitenzi
B1
action
1
Watch closely to notice details
To look at something carefully to see what is happening.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to observe [someone/something]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes confuse 'observe' with 'look at'. 'Look at' can be casual, while 'observe' suggests paying attention to details or studying something.
Visawe
watch (More general; can be less formal or less detailed observation.)
|
monitor (Implies continuous or systematic observation, often over time.)
Vinyume
ignore (Not pay attention to something or someone.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
observe closely
|observe carefully
|observe the behavior
Mada
daily life
|science
|work
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I observed the cat playing.
- She observed the children in the park.
- We observed the stars at night.
Kitenzi
B1
action
2
Notice or perceive something
To see or notice something.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to observe that [clause]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may overuse 'see' instead of 'observe' when they mean to say they noticed something specific or important.
Visawe
notice (More common and informal; simply becoming aware of something.)
|
perceive (More formal and can include senses beyond sight.)
Vinyume
overlook (Fail to notice something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
observe that
|observe a change
|observe a difference
Mada
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I observed that she was sad.
- He observed a bird on the tree.
- We observed no cars on the street.
Kitenzi
formal
B2
action
3
Follow a law or custom
To do what a law, rule, or custom says you must do.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to observe [a law/rule/custom]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may confuse this with 'celebrate' when talking about holidays. 'Observe' means to follow traditions or customs, not necessarily to have fun.
Visawe
comply with (Formal; stresses meeting requirements of rules or laws.)
|
follow (More general and less formal than 'observe'.)
Vinyume
break (Fail to follow a law, rule, or custom.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
observe the law
|observe tradition
|observe protocol
Mada
law
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- We observe the school rules.
- They observe the holiday every year.
- You must observe safety rules here.
Kitenzi
formal
B2
action
4
Make a remark about something noticed
To say something about what you see or know.
Muundo wa matumizi:
to observe that [clause]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes use 'say' instead of 'observe' in formal contexts. 'Observe' here is more formal and often used in reporting speech in writing.
Visawe
remark (Neutral; simply making a comment.)
|
note (Often used for making factual observations.)
Vinyume
withhold comment (Not make any comment about what was noticed.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
observe wryly
|observe drily
|observe politely
Mada
communication
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- He observed that it was raining.
- She observed that he looked tired.
- They observed that no one was there.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
observe
IPA
GB/əbzˈɚv/
US/əbzˈɚv/
Silabi na mkazo
ob - serve (silabi 2)
Stress on 2nd syllable (serve)
Maumbo ya neno
Verb
- Base: observe
- 3rd Person Singular: observes
- Present Participle: observing
- Past: observed
Familia ya neno
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
Semi
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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- Please observe the rules while using the library.
- Drivers must observe the rules of the road at all times.