Observational — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

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

Meaning & Definition of Observational

Observational (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

Observational (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. based on observation or experience

    "her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence"

    similar: empirical, existential, experiential, experimental, objective
    related: actual, factual, genuine, hard, material, real, accepted, established, tried, tried-and-true, indisputable, undeniable, demonstrable, provable, verifiable
    opposite: nonempirical, theoretical, unempirical
    near: conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, unproven, unsubstantiated, metaphysical, transcendentalist, visionary

Related Entry: Observation (noun)

Observation is a different word from Observational. The synonyms below are for observation, not for observational.

  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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Observational

The most common words with a similar meaning to Observational:

empirical, existential, experiential, experimental, objective

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Observational

Words with the opposite meaning of Observational:

nonempirical, theoretical, unempirical

Related Words for Observational

actual, factual, genuine, hard, material, real, accepted, established, tried, tried-and-true, indisputable, undeniable, demonstrable, provable, verifiable

Near Antonyms of Observational

conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, unproven, unsubstantiated, metaphysical, transcendentalist, visionary

Word Forms of Observational

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

Origin & Etymology of Observational

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Observational

What does "Observational" mean?

"Observational" 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.

What is another word for "Observational"?

Other words for "Observational" include empirical, existential, experiential, experimental and objective. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Observational" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Observational"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Observational". Common alternatives include empirical, existential, experiential, experimental and objective.

What is the opposite of "Observational"?

Antonyms of "Observational" include nonempirical, theoretical and unempirical. Near antonyms include conjectural, hypothetical, speculative and unproven.

How do you use "Observational" in a sentence?

Examples of "Observational" in a sentence: "her reports on the great apes were based on firsthand observational evidence".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Observational"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Observational"?

"Observational" comes from 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.