The word "observe" has multiple meanings, such as to watch carefully, to follow a rule or custom, and to celebrate. Here are synonyms for each of these meanings:
1. When "observe" means to watch carefully
- Watch
- Explanation: "Watch" is a very common and straightforward synonym. It implies using your eyes to follow the movements or actions of someone or something. It can be a casual or a more focused form of observation. For example, you can watch a movie for entertainment, or you can watch a suspect closely in a police investigation.
- Example: The scientist watched the experiment carefully, noting down every change. This shows a purposeful act of observing with attention, much like when using "observe."
- Monitor
- Explanation: "Monitor" means to watch, observe, or check something regularly to detect any changes or problems. It often implies a more systematic and continuous form of observation. For example, in a hospital, nurses monitor patients' vital signs to ensure their health.
- Example: The security team monitored the building entrances through CCTV cameras. Here, "monitor" emphasizes the continuous and vigilant form of observing the building's access points.
- Scrutinize
- Explanation: "Scrutinize" means to examine or inspect something very closely and in detail. It implies a more intense and critical form of observation. For example, an auditor might scrutinize a company's financial records to look for any irregularities.
- Example: The jeweler scrutinized the diamond under a magnifying glass to assess its quality. This shows a very close and careful examination, similar to a detailed observation using "observe."
2. When "observe" means to follow a rule or custom
- Follow
- Explanation: "Follow" means to go or come after in the same direction, or to act in accordance with a rule, advice, or example. When it comes to rules and customs, following means to abide by them. For example, we follow traffic rules to ensure safety on the roads.
- Example: The employees were required to follow the company's dress code. This shows that they had to observe or adhere to the given rules about clothing.
- Adhere to
- Explanation: "Adhere to" means to stick firmly to something, such as a rule, a belief, or a plan. It implies a more committed form of following. For example, a strict vegetarian adheres to a diet that excludes meat and animal products.
- Example: The athlete adhered to a strict training schedule to improve his performance. Here, the athlete observed the training schedule in a very committed way.
3. When "observe" means to celebrate
- Celebrate
- Explanation: "Celebrate" means to mark a happy or important occasion with festivities or ceremonies. It is a more active and festive form of observing an event. For example, people celebrate birthdays, weddings, and national holidays.
- Example: The family celebrated Thanksgiving with a big dinner. Here, "celebrate" is used in the sense of observing the holiday in a traditional and festive way.
- Commemorate
- Explanation: "Commemorate" means to remember and show respect for an important event or person from the past. It often involves a more solemn or meaningful ceremony. For example, a country might commemorate a war hero with a memorial service.
- Example: The city commemorated the anniversary of the founding with a parade. In this case, the act of commemorating is a way of observing the historical significance of the event.