/ ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn; NAmE ˌɑːbzərˈv-/ noun
1.
[ U , C ] the act of watching sb/sth carefully for a period of time, especially to learn sth :
Most information was collected by direct observation of the animals' behaviour.
results based on scientific observations
We managed to escape observation (= we were not seen) .
The suspect is being kept under observation (= watched closely by the police) .
She has outstanding powers of observation (= the ability to notice things around her) .
an observation post / tower (= a place from where sb, especially an enemy, can be watched)
2.
[ C ] observation (about / on sth) a comment, especially based on sth you have seen, heard or read
SYN remark :
He began by making a few general observations about the report.
She has some interesting observations on possible future developments.
➡ note at declaration
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense respectful adherence to the requirements of rules or ritual ): from Latin observatio(n-) , from the verb observare to watch, from ob- towards + servare attend to, look at.