Word
observed
Phoneticsob·served, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈzɝvd/
UK/ɒbzˈɜːvd/
Definitions
01watched carefully
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
v. watched someone or something closely to learn about them.
v. monitored or watched a subject with attention to detail, often for scientific or investigative purposes.
“The scientists observed the birds for several weeks to see how they built their nests.”
“The researchers observed the chemical reaction under a microscope, noting the precise moment the solution changed from clear to opaque.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice in scientific reporting.
Antonyms
02followed a rule
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. obeyed a law, a rule, or a religious custom.
v. complied with or adhered to a law, regulation, or religious tradition.
“The silence was strictly observed during the ceremony to show respect.”
“The local community has observed these traditional fasting laws for centuries, passing the customs down through generations.”
Usage
Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'silence', 'tradition', or 'protocol'.
03remarked or said
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. said something you noticed about a situation.
v. made a remark or comment based on an observation.
“He observed that the room was much colder than it had been yesterday.”
“The chairman observed that the company's growth had slowed significantly in the final quarter of the fiscal year.”
Usage
Typically followed by a 'that' clause.
04rescheduled holiday
C1 · Advanced Technical · Formal
adj. describes a public holiday that is celebrated on a different day than usual.
adj. pertaining to a public holiday celebrated on a date other than its traditional calendar date, usually to create a long weekend.
“Since Christmas fell on a Sunday, the holiday was observed on Monday instead.”
“The government announced that the national day would be an observed holiday on the following Friday to encourage domestic tourism.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“This should reveal whether the patterns observed are unique to butterflies or also apply to other insects.” “The energy output is far closer to that observed from black holes than stars.” - 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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