1notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant: [with clause]:she observed that all the chairs were already occupied
watch (someone or something) carefully and attentively:Rob stood in the hallway, from where he could observe the happenings on the street
take note of or detect (something) in the course of a scientific study:the behaviour observed in groups of chimpanzees
2 [reporting verb] make a remark: [with direct speech]:‘It’s chilly,’ she observed [with clause]:a stockbroker once observed that dealers live and work in hell
3fulfil or comply with (a social, legal, ethical, or religious obligation):a tribunal must observe the principles of natural justice
maintain (silence) in compliance with a rule or custom, or temporarily as a mark of respect:a minute’s silence will be observed
perform or take part in (a rite or ceremony):relations gather to observe the funeral rites
celebrate or acknowledge (an anniversary):they observed the one-year anniversary of the flood
