# observation

/ˌɑbzɝˈveɪʃən/ (US) · /ɒbzəvˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/observation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. watching carefully

noun · CEFR B2

the act of watching someone or something carefully, especially to learn something.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. a comment or remark

noun · CEFR B2

a comment or opinion based on something you have seen or heard.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. recorded data

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

a piece of information or a fact that is recorded during an experiment or study.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. following a rule

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the act of following a law, custom, or religious rule.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The scientist made a careful observation of the birds.
- After a week of close observation, the doctors decided the patient was healthy enough to go home.
- The essay concludes with a sharp observation regarding the shift in public sentiment, noting that digital interactions have fundamentally altered how we perceive community.

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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.