Observation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən/ ob·ser·va·tion

Meaning & Definition of Observation

Observation (noun)

  1. an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law
  2. observance
  3. an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments

Observation (adjective)

  1. designed for use in viewing something (such as scenery) or in making observations

Observation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of being aware

    "it has come to my observation that you've been missing a lot of school lately"

    similar: advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance
    related: hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding
    near: disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

  2. the following of a custom, rule, or law

    "a society in which a strict observation of business etiquette is expected of visiting foreigners"

    similar: abidance, adherence, compliance, conformance, conformity, keeping, obedience, observance
    related: deference, honor, regard, respect, upholding, accession, acquiescence, submission, surrender, attendance, attention, heed, notice
    opposite: breach, contravention, infraction, infringement, nonobservance, transgression, trespass, violation
    near: brush-off, disregard, ignoring, delinquency, dereliction, forgetting, neglect, overlooking, offense, sin, wrong, challenge, defiance, flouting, rebellion

Related Entry: Self-observation (noun)

Self-observation is a different word from Observation. The synonyms below are for self-observation, not for observation.

  1. examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

    "some self-observation might give you some insights into how others perceive you"

    similar: introspection, self-contemplation, self-examination, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching
    related: self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, self-recognition, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, self-concept, self-image, self-perception, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Observation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Observation:

advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, abidance, adherence, compliance, conformance, conformity, keeping, obedience

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Observation

Words with the opposite meaning of Observation:

breach, contravention, infraction, infringement, nonobservance, transgression, trespass, violation

Related Words for Observation

hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding, deference, honor, respect, upholding, accession, acquiescence, submission, surrender, attendance

Near Antonyms of Observation

disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness, brush-off, ignoring, delinquency, dereliction, forgetting, overlooking, offense, sin, wrong, challenge, defiance, flouting, rebellion

Word Forms of Observation

Derived words: observational (adjective), observationally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Observation

Middle English observacioun "performance (of a religious rite), heeding (of rules, practices)," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French observacion "act of observing, performance of a prescribed rule," going back to Old French observation "law observed," borrowed from Latin observātiōn-, observātiō "action of watching, adherence (to rules, practices), usage, practice," from observāre "to give attention, watch carefully, abide by" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action observe

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Observation

Words & Phrases Containing Observation

observation deck, self-observation, for observation, powers of observation, under observation

Frequently Asked Questions about Observation

What does "Observation" mean?

"Observation" means an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Observation"?

Other words for "Observation" include advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear and eye. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Observation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Observation"?

There are 46 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Observation". Common alternatives include advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed and knowledge.

What is the opposite of "Observation"?

Antonyms of "Observation" include breach, contravention, infraction, infringement, nonobservance, transgression, trespass and violation. Near antonyms include disregard, neglect, obliviousness and unawareness.

How do you use "Observation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Observation" in a sentence: "it has come to my observation that you've been missing a lot of school lately"; "a society in which a strict observation of business etiquette is expected of visiting foreigners".

Is "Observation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Observation" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Observation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Observation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Observation"?

"Observation" is pronounced /ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən/ and divided into syllables as ob·ser·va·tion.