to observe

Examples

• All

• No matter what the individual attitude is, one must observe the obligation once it has been established.

  Academic text (1990)

• Since they mutually agreed to observe this rule, many poor men became rich.

• I would ask you to observe the ground rules, which are identify yourself, make your question a question, a genuine question, not a speech.

• I know in Japan they like to observe their workers to help them improve their efficiency.

  Rising Sun (1993)

• And so Christians no longer observed the same food laws.

  Alex O'Connor

• Even for those who live outside the law... it is commonly understood there are certain rules which must be observed.

  The Big Hit (1998)

• We've got to observe his birthday.

  Alive (1993)

• While in the airport, please observe Florida laws... ... which prohibit smoking in the terminal.

  8MM (1999)

• Will you be able to observe the rule and the way of living it dictates... and take the three vows of obedience, poverty and chastity?

  Francis of Assisi (1961)

• We will observe a holiday tomorrow to celebrate our national heritage.

Synonyms

F

to follow

vsto observe

∞ 1.0

To act according to rules, advice, or beliefs

adds a sense of respecting or marking traditions as well as following

C

to celebrate

vsto observe

∞ 1.4

To join fun events to mark a special day or achievement

also covers ordinary following or respecting of rules, not only celebration

H

to honor

vsto observe

• US

722 2.3

Show great respect to someone, often in public

focuses on praise and recognition rather than following or obeying rules

K

to keep

vsto observe

356 1.0

To do what you promised

adds the idea of marking or celebrating customs, not just maintaining them

O

to obey

vsto observe

316 1.0

Do what someone in charge tells you or follow a rule

can include voluntary respectful observance, not only obedience to authority

C

to comply

vsto observe

245 3.8

Do what a rule or person asks

can also mean honoring or celebrating traditions beyond mere obedience

A

to abide

vsto observe

151 3.4

To follow a rule or law

can also imply respectful or ceremonial observance, not only acceptance

A

to adhere

vsto observe

98 4.7

Continue to follow and support a rule, belief, or person

includes occasional ceremonial respect or celebration, not only loyalty

A

to adhere to

vsto observe

95 3.9

To follow rules or instructions

is broader, adding respect or celebration to simple obedience

A

to abide by

vsto observe

87 3.5

To accept and follow a rule, decision, or agreement

includes also respecting or marking customs, not only acting by the rule

C

to conform

vsto observe

84 3.2

Think and act like other people or follow rules

focuses more on agreement with others than on respectful observance

F

to follow the rule

vsto observe

80 2.8

Do what a rule says

also covers respectful or ceremonial observance, not only strict compliance

G

to go by

vsto observe

78 1.8

To follow a rule or plan

also involves showing respect or marking customs, not only using guidance

C

to conform to

vsto observe

58 3.7

Do what rules or standards say you must

is extended by the key to include ceremonial or respectful marking

U

to uphold the tradition

vsto observe

1 4.1

To keep and respect old ways in a family or community

is broader, covering both everyday following and formal marking of customs

Antonyms

V

to violate

630 4.4

Break a law, rule, agreement, or promise

Phrasal Verbs

O

to observe purdah

• UK

9.9

To stay out of public and not show their face or body for modesty, usually by women

How Observant

to adhere to

95 3.9

to comply

245 3.8

to observe

79 3.4

to celebrate

∞ 1.4

to ignore

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology