Word
observatory
Phoneticsob·ser·va·to·ry, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈzɝvəˌtɔɹi/
UK/ɒbzˈɜːvətəɹˌi/
Definitions
01astronomical facility
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a building with a large telescope used for studying the stars, planets, and space.
n. a specialized facility designed for astronomical observation, typically housing a large telescope and often situated at high altitudes to minimize atmospheric interference.
“The school trip to the mountain observatory allowed the students to see the rings of Saturn clearly.”
“Modern astronomical observatories are frequently located in remote deserts or on volcanic peaks to ensure the clearest possible view of distant galaxies.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific famous facility.
Synonyms
02viewing platform
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a high place or deck on a tall building where you can look out over a city or landscape.
n. a high vantage point or viewing platform, often located at the summit of a skyscraper, intended for public sightseeing or surveillance.
“We took the lift to the observatory on the 100th floor to see the city lights at night.”
“The skyscraper features a glass-floored observatory that provides tourists with a panoramic, albeit dizzying, view of the metropolitan skyline.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of urban tourism and architecture.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” “NASA’s Swift Observatory observed a supermassive black hole ripping apart a star more than 30,000 light-years from the center of a distant galaxy.” “Rubin Observatory, which revealed its first photos last year, have a good chance of spotting them.” Etymology
Borrowed from French observatoire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/observatory