observatory
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a building with a large telescope used for studying the stars, planets, and space.
a specialized facility designed for astronomical observation, typically housing a large telescope and often situated at high altitudes to minimize atmospheric interference.
Simple“The school trip to the mountain observatory allowed the students to see the rings of Saturn clearly.”
In context“Modern astronomical observatories are frequently located in remote deserts or on volcanic peaks to ensure the clearest possible view of distant galaxies.”
UsageOften used with the definite article when referring to a specific famous facility.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a high place or deck on a tall building where you can look out over a city or landscape.
a high vantage point or viewing platform, often located at the summit of a skyscraper, intended for public sightseeing or surveillance.
Simple“We took the lift to the observatory on the 100th floor to see the city lights at night.”
In context“The skyscraper features a glass-floored observatory that provides tourists with a panoramic, albeit dizzying, view of the metropolitan skyline.”
UsageCommonly used in the context of urban tourism and architecture.
Synonyms
“A builder who created an observatory in his back garden has said capturing and livestreaming the solar eclipse was "fantastic".”
“Using two telescopes at Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California, ZTF surveys the entire northern sky once every two days.”
Borrowed from French observatoire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.