# observing

/əbˈzɝvɪŋ/ (US) · /ɒbzˈɜːvɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/observing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. watching carefully

verb · CEFR B1

watching someone or something carefully to learn more about them.

For teachers: monitoring or watching a subject with close attention, often for scientific or investigative purposes.

- The scientists spent weeks observing the birds in their natural habitat.
- By observing the subtle shifts in the patient's heart rate, the medical team was able to intervene before the condition worsened.

Usage: Often used with a direct object representing the person or thing being watched.

### 2. following a rule

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

obeying a law, rule, or custom.

For teachers: complying with or adhering to a law, regulation, or established social custom.

- Observing the speed limit is essential for keeping the roads safe.
- The company was strictly observing the new environmental regulations to avoid heavy fines from the government.

### 3. celebrating a holiday

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

celebrating a religious holiday or a special tradition.

For teachers: performing the rituals or ceremonies associated with a religious or cultural occasion.

- Many families are observing the holiday by gathering for a traditional meal.
- The community has a long history of observing the spring festival with music and public dances.

### 4. the act of watching

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the act of watching or noticing something.

For teachers: the action or process of closely monitoring something or someone.

- His careful observing of the stars led to a new discovery.
- The constant observing of the test subjects provided the researchers with enough data to conclude the study early.

### 5. quick to notice

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

good at noticing things that happen around you.

For teachers: possessing or showing a keen ability to notice details; observant.

- She has an observing eye and never misses a small detail.
- An observing traveler will notice that the local architecture changes significantly as one moves further north into the mountains.

## Examples

- The scientists are observing the birds in the forest.
- By observing the way customers move through the store, the manager decided to change the layout.
- While observing the strict protocols of the laboratory, the researchers noticed a small but significant change in the chemical structure of the sample.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.