Word
observance
Phoneticsob·ser·vance, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈzɝvəns/
UK/ɒbzˈɜːvəns/
Definitions
01following a law or rule
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of obeying a law, rule, or custom.
n. 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'.
Pitfall
The 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.
Synonyms
02religious or ceremonial practice
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Religion Formal
n. the act of performing a religious ceremony or celebrating a traditional holiday.
n. 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.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Omusuuga Charles Karumasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, said: "We have done everything in observance of the culture and traditions of Tooro.” “I have come to appreciate the weapons that Andoque generations have crafted to protect themselves from such pitfalls: tales and rituals, spells and observances.” Etymology
From Old French observance, from Latin observantia. Equivalent of observe + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/observance