What does "observation" mean?
The act of observing, and the fact of being observed (see observance)
Observation
/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn̩/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of observing, and the fact of being observed (see observance)
- Grammar: observation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accordance, acquittal, acquittance, address.
- Useful contrasts: inferential finding, physical chemistry theory, a procedure.
- Usage evidence: Observation is a passive science, experimentation an active science.
How to use "observation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "observation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "observation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "observation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "observation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "observation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accordance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "observation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of observing, and the fact of being observed (see observance) countable, uncountable
"But Miss Thorn relieved the situation by laughing aloud,[…]. We began to tell her about Mohair and the cotillon, and of our point of observation from the Florentine galleried porch, and she insisted she would join us there."
- 2 the act of observing; taking a patient look wordnet
- 3 The act of noting and recording some event; or the record of such noting. countable, uncountable
- 4 the act of making and recording a measurement wordnet
- 5 A remark or comment. countable, uncountable
"That's a foolish observation."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 the act of noticing or paying attention wordnet
- 7 A judgement based on observing. countable, uncountable
"This hypothesis goes by many names, including group resistence, the threshold effect, and the gender paradox. Because the hypothesis holds such wide appeal, it is worth revisiting the logic behind it. The hypothesis is built on the factual observation that fewer females than males act antisocially."
- 8 facts learned by observing wordnet
- 9 Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice; observance. countable, uncountable
"We are to procure dispensation or leave to omit the observation of it in such circumstances."
- 10 a remark expressing careful consideration wordnet
- 11 A regime under which a subject is routinely observed. countable, uncountable
- 12 A realization of a random variable. countable, uncountable
Antonyms
Example
"Observation is a passive science, experimentation an active science."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "observation"?
Common synonyms include: accordance, acquittal, acquittance, address, adherence, advertence.
How do you use "observation" in a sentence?
Observation is a passive science, experimentation an active science.
How do you pronounce "observation"?
Pronounced /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn̩/.
Etymology
From Middle English observacion, borrowed from Middle French observacion. Also a borrowing from French observation and a learned borrowing from Latin observātiō(n-). Morphologically observe + -ation.