observance
- 01 C1 Advanced
the act of obeying a law, rule, or custom.
the practice of complying with a law, regulation, or established custom. Often used in legal or administrative contexts.
Simple“Strict observance of the safety rules prevented any accidents at the factory.”
In context“The inspector noted that strict observance of the new environmental protocols had significantly reduced the plant's carbon emissions.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'of'.
PitfallThe observance of the stars was difficult. The observation of the stars was difficult.Use 'observance' for following rules or customs; use 'observation' for the act of watching or looking at something.
- 02 C1 Advanced
the act of performing a religious ceremony or celebrating a traditional holiday.
the performance of a religious rite or the formal celebration of a holiday or anniversary.
Simple“The religious observance included a special prayer at sunset.”
In context“The community gathered for the annual observance of the founding of the city, featuring traditional music and historical reenactments.”
Teacher's tipIn modern English, this is the most common way to refer to the active practice of religious traditions.
Synonyms
“I have come to appreciate the weapons that Andoque generations have crafted to protect themselves from such pitfalls: tales and rituals, spells and observances.”
From Old French observance, from Latin observantia. Equivalent of observe + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.