Word
observation
Phoneticsob·ser·va·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɑbzɝˈveɪʃən/
UK/ɒbzəvˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01watching carefully
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of watching someone or something carefully, especially to learn something.
n. the act of monitoring or watching a subject with close attention, often for scientific or investigative purposes.
“The patient was kept in the hospital for observation after the accident.”
“The researchers spent several months in the field, conducting close observation of the primates' social hierarchies and feeding habits.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'under' or 'for'.
Synonyms
02a comment or remark
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a comment or opinion based on something you have seen or heard.
n. a remark or statement based on something one has noticed or considered.
“He made an interesting observation about how the city has changed.”
“The critic's subtle observation regarding the artist's use of shadow provided a fresh perspective for the gallery visitors.”
Usage
Commonly follows the verb 'make'.
Synonyms
03recorded data
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. a piece of information or a fact that is recorded during an experiment or study.
n. the act of noting and recording a specific event or the resulting record of such an act.
“The scientist wrote down her observations in a small notebook.”
“The meteorological station provides hourly observations of wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and humidity to the national weather service.”
04following a rule
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of following a law, custom, or religious rule.
n. the performance of what is prescribed or adherence to a practice; often interchangeable with 'observance'.
“The strict observation of the local traditions is expected from all visitors.”
“The legal team ensured the meticulous observation of all procedural requirements to avoid any grounds for an appeal.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “observation” in context.
Adjective
01. detailed observation
“After a detailed observation of the patient, the doctor decided to change the medication.”
adj + noun
02. direct observation
“The researchers relied on direct observation rather than self-reported data.”
adj + noun
03. empirical observation
“Scientific theories must be supported by empirical observation and rigorous testing.”
adj + noun
04. general observation
“As a general observation, students tend to perform better when they have had enough sleep.”
adj + noun
05. initial observation
“My initial observation was that the engine was making a strange clicking sound.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. participant observation
“The sociologist used participant observation to understand the community's daily rituals.”
noun + noun
07. observations collected
08. observations made
09. observations show
10. observations with data
11. following observation
12. observation direct
Real-World Examples
“Astrophysicists in India now say the latest findings from Aditya-L1 , the country's first solar observation mission in space, have provided them some vital clues to unlocking those mysteries.” “Like all good criticism, the simple observations underpinning these speculations seem so obvious once pointed out that they cannot be unseen, and change the picture for ever.” Etymology
From Middle English observacion, borrowed from Middle French observacion. Also a borrowing from French observation and a learned borrowing from Latin observātiō(n-). Morphologically observe + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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