observe

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♦ ob|serve /əbz'ɜːrv/ (observes observing observed)
1 [VERB] V n, V n -ing, also V, V n inf
If you observe a person or thing, you watch them carefully, especially in order to learn something about them.
Stern also studies and observes the behaviour of babies...
Our sniper teams observed them manning an anti-aircraft gun.
2 [VERB] V n
If you observe someone or something, you see or notice them. (FORMAL)
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
3 [VERB] V that, V with quote
If you observe that something is the case, you make a remark or comment about it, especially when it is something you have noticed and thought about a lot. (FORMAL)
We observe that the first calls for radical transformation did not begin until the period of the industrial revolution...
`He is a fine young man,' observed Stephen.
4 [VERB] V n, V n
If you observe something such as a law or custom, you obey it or follow it.
Imposing speed restrictions is easy, but forcing motorists to observe them is trickier...
The army was observing a ceasefire...

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