ENGLISH
REFERENCE

observational

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɑbzɝˈveɪʃənəɫ// UK //ɒbzəvˈeɪʃənəl// ob·ser·va·tion·al

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.


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.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun, such as 'study', 'skills', or 'humor'.

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