# observance

/əbˈzɝvəns/ (US) · /ɒbzˈɜːvəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/observance
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. following a law or rule

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of obeying a law, rule, or custom.

For teachers: the practice of complying with a law, regulation, or established custom. Often used in legal or administrative contexts.

- Strict observance of the safety rules prevented any accidents at the factory.
- The inspector noted that strict observance of the new environmental protocols had significantly reduced the plant's carbon emissions.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. religious or ceremonial practice

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of performing a religious ceremony or celebrating a traditional holiday.

For teachers: the performance of a religious rite or the formal celebration of a holiday or anniversary.

- The religious observance included a special prayer at sunset.
- The community gathered for the annual observance of the founding of the city, featuring traditional music and historical reenactments.

Teaching tip: In modern English, this is the most common way to refer to the active practice of religious traditions.

## Examples

- The school requires strict observance of the dress code.
- The community gathered for the annual observance of the holiday, following traditions passed down for generations.
- While some viewed the ritual as a mere formality, others maintained that the meticulous observance of these ancient rites was essential for preserving their cultural identity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.