observable
OBSERVABLE, a. s as z. See Observe.
1. That may be observed or noticed.
2. Worthy of observation or of particular notice; remarkable.
I took a just account of every observable circumstance of the earth, stone, metal or other matter.
observably
OBSERVABLY, adv. s as z. In a manner worthy of note.
observance
OBSERVANCE, n. s as z.
1. The act of observing; the act of keeping or adhering to in practice; performance; as the observance of rules, rites, ceremonies or laws.
Love rigid honesty, and strict observance of impartial laws.
2. Respect; ceremonial reverence in practice.
To do observance on the morn of May.
3. Performance of rites, religious ceremonies or external service.
Some represent to themselves the whole of religion as consisting in a few easy observances.
4. Rule of practice; thing to be observed.
5. Observation; attention. Little used.
6. Obedient regard or attention.
Having had experience of his fidelity and observance abroad. Not used.
observant
OBSERVANT, a. s as z.
1. Taking notice; attentively viewing or noticing; as an observant spectator or traveler.
2. Obedient; adhering to in practice; with of. He is very observant of the rules of his order.
We are told how observant Alexander was of his master Aristotle.
3. Carefully attentive; submissive.
OBSERVANT, n. s as z.
1. A slavish attendant. Not in use.
2. A diligent observer.
observation
OBSERVATION, n. s as z. L. observatio. See Observe.
1. The act of observing or taking notice; the act of seeing or of fixing the mind on any thing. We apply the word to simple vision, as when one says, a spot on the suns disk did not fall under his observation; or to the notice or cognizance of the mind, as when one says, the distinction made by the orator escaped his observation. When however it expresses vision, it often represents a more fixed or particular view than a mere transient sight; as an astronomical observation.
2. Notion gained by observing; the effect or result of seeing or taking cognizance in the mind, and either retained in the mind or expressed in words; inference or something arising out of the act of seeing or noticing, or that which is produced by thinking and reflecting on a subject; note; remark; animadversion. We often say, I made the observation in my own mind; but properly an observation is that which is expressed as the result of viewing or of thinking.
In matters of human prudence, we shall find the greatest advantage by making wise observations on our conduct.
3. Observance; adherence to in practice; performance of what is prescribed.
He freed the christian church from the external observation and obedience of legal precepts not formally moral.
4. In navigation, the taking of the altitude of the sun or a star in order to find the latitude.
observator
OBSERVATOR, n. s as z.
1. One that observes or takes notice.
2. A remarker.
observe
OBSERVE, v.t. obzerv. L. observo; ob and servo, to keep or hold. The sense is to hold in view, or to keep the eyes on.
1. To see or behold with some attention; to notice; as, to observe a halo round the moon; I observed a singular phenomenon; we observe strangers or their dress. I saw the figure, but observed nothing peculiar in it.
2. To take notice or cognizance of by the intellect. We observe nice distinctions in arguments, or a peculiar delicacy of thought.
3. To utter or express, as a remark, opinion or sentiment; to remark. He observed that no man appears great to his domestics.
4. To keep religiously; to celebrate.
A night to be much observed to the Lord. Ex. 12.
Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Ex. 12.
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Gal. 4.
5. To keep or adhere to in practice; to comply with; to obey; as, to observe the laws of the state; to observe the rules and regulations of a society.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matt. 28.
6. To practice.
In the days of Enoch, the people observed not circumcision or the sabbath.
OBSERVE, v.i. observ.
1. To remark. I have heard the gentlemans arguments, and shall hereafter observe upon them.
2. To be attentive.
observed
OBSERVED, pp. s as z.
1. Noticed by the eye or the mind.
2. Kept religiously; celebrated; practiced.
observer
OBSERVER, n. s as z.
1. One who observes; one that takes notice; particularly, one who looks to with care, attention or vigilance.
Careful observers may foretell the hour, by sure prognostic, when to dread a shower.
Creditors are great observers of set days and times.
2. A beholder; a looker on; a spectator.
3. One who keeps any law, custom, regulation or rite; one who adheres to any thing in practice; one who performs; as a great observer of forms; an observer of old customs.
4. One who fulfills or performs; as, he is a strict observer of his word or promise.
5. One who keeps religiously; as an observer of the sabbath.
observing
OBSERVING, ppr. s as z.
1. Taking notice by the eye or the intellect.
2. Remarking.
3. Keeping; adhering to in practice; fulfilling.
4. a. Giving particular attention; habitually taking notice; attentive to what passes. He is an observing man.
observingly
OBSERVINGLY, adv. s as z. Attentively; carefully; with close observation.