— observedly /euhb zerr"vid lee/ , adv. — observingly , adv.
/euhb zerrv"/ , v. , observed, observing .
v.t.
1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice: He observed the passersby in the street.
2. to regard with attention, esp. so as to see or learn something: I want you to observe her reaction to the judge's question.
3. to watch, view, or note for a scientific, official, or other special purpose: to observe an eclipse.
4. to state by way of comment; remark: He observed frequently that clerks were not as courteous as they used to be.
5. to keep or maintain in one's action, conduct, etc.: You must observe quiet.
6. to obey, comply with, or conform to: to observe laws.
7. to show regard for by some appropriate procedure, ceremony, etc.: to observe Palm Sunday.
8. to perform duly or solemnize (ceremonies, rites, etc.).
9. to note or inspect closely for an omen or sign of future events.
v.i.
10. to notice.
11. to act as an observer.
12. to remark or comment (usually fol. by on or upon ).
[ 1350-1400; ME observen observer observare to watch, regard, attend to, equiv. to ob- OB- + servare to keep, save, pay heed to ]
Syn. 2. note. OBSERVE, WITNESS imply paying strict attention to what one sees or perceives. Both are "continuative" in action. TO OBSERVE is to mark or be attentive to something seen, heard, etc.; to consider carefully; to watch steadily: to observe the behavior of birds, a person's pronunciation. TO WITNESS, formerly to be present when something was happening, has added the idea of having observed with sufficient care to be able to give an account as evidence: to witness an accident. 4. mention, say. 6. follow, fulfill. 7. celebrate, keep.
Ant. 1-3, 6-8. ignore.