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observing

observing

4.5
A person who notices small details quickly
  • adjective
  • /əbˈzɜrvɪŋ/
translation icon : observador
  • She is an observing child who always notices the smallest details.

Examples

  • An observing detective quickly spotted the hidden clue.

  • The teacher valued students who were observing and attentive during experiments.

  • She is an observing child who always notices the smallest details.

  • Don't underestimate her observing abilities!

  • She is very observing of people's emotions.

  • An observing detective quickly spotted the hidden clue.

  • The teacher valued students who were observing and attentive during experiments.

Synonyms

attentive
vsobserving
61 3.0

Paying close attention and caring about someone's needs

relies more on brief noticing and quick perception than long focus
perceptive
vsobserving
43 5.5

Quick to notice or understand small details and meaning

is more about quick noticing skills than broader fast understanding
watchful
vsobserving
37 3.2

Being careful and ready to notice danger or problems

is about general noticing skills, not only safety or danger focus
observant
vsobserving
35 3.9

Quick to notice small details and things around you

emphasizes steady attention to details rather than sudden insight
discerning
vsobserving
20 6.7

Able to notice small details and make good choices

is more about noticing speed than evaluative judgment
sharp-eyed
vsobserving
3 4.1

Able to see small things and notice small changes quickly

focuses on visual detail more than general perceptive understanding
perspicacious
vsobserving
  • Formal
1 9.8

Able to notice and understand things that are not obvious

is more about sharp noticing skill than deep analytical insight
percipient
vsobserving
  • Formal
1 9.2

Able to notice and understand things quickly

leans toward quick noticing ability rather than deep interpretive judgment
keen-eyed
vsobserving
1 5.8

Able to see small details clearly

is about quick general noticing rather than purely eyesight strength
quick-sighted
vsobserving
6.0

Quick to notice small changes or details that others miss

matches quick noticing but key is broader noticing skill rather than speed alone

Antonyms

1 5.9

You do not notice small details around you

How Observant

perceptive
43 5.5
observing
4.5
unobservant
1 5.9

Surface Forms

observing positive

Morphology

observing = observe (transparent) = observe + ing

A standard participial/adjectival formation from the verb 'observe'; the meaning 'quick to notice' is directly derived from 'observe'.

Etymology

The word observing comes from Latin parts ob- ('towards') and servare ('to keep' or 'watch'), and you can see the same root in preserve ('to keep'). So to be observing is like 'keeping an eye on' things and noticing small details.