əbˈzə:v v. 1 tr. (often foll. by
that, how + clause)
perceive,
note;
take notice of;
become conscious of. 2 tr.
watch carefully. 3 tr. a
follow or
adhere to (a
law,
command,
method,
principle, etc.). b
keep or adhere to (an appointed time). c
maintain (silence). d
duly perform (a rite). e
celebrate (an anniversary). 4 tr.
examine and note (phenomena)
without the aid of
experiment. 5 tr. (often foll. by that + clause)
say,
esp. by
way of
comment. 6 intr. (foll. by on)
make a
remark or remarks
about. øøobservable adj. observably adv. [ME f. OF
observer f. L observare watch (as
OB-, servare keep)]