Word
observational
Phoneticsob·ser·va·tion·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɑbzɝˈveɪʃənəɫ/
UK/ɒbzəvˈeɪʃənəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the act of watching something carefully to learn about it. You use this to describe work or skills that rely on seeing things as they really are.
adj. relating to or based on the act of watching and recording phenomena as they occur in their natural state. Often describes research methods that do not involve experimental manipulation.
Examples
“She has excellent observational skills and notices every small detail.”
“The scientists conducted an observational study to see how the birds behaved in the wild without human interference.”
“The comedian's set relied heavily on observational humor, drawing sharp and relatable insights from the mundane frustrations of modern office life and public transportation.”
Examples
simple
“She has excellent observational skills and notices every small detail.”
contextual
“The scientists conducted an observational study to see how the birds behaved in the wild without human interference.”
complex
“The comedian's set relied heavily on observational humor, drawing sharp and relatable insights from the mundane frustrations of modern office life and public transportation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “observational” in context.
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun, such as 'study', 'skills', or 'humor'.
Real-World Examples
“Here, you can turn to two types of evidence: observational studies in humans or laboratory studies in animals or cells.” “Instead, their unusual appearance could partly result from observational bias.” “In April of this year, however, a team of researchers from the University of Bordeaux in France published improved predictions in the journal Science Advances , based on new observational data.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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