English Dictionary

Definition of “observance

observance (əbˈzɜːvənsPronunciation for observance

Definitions

noun

  1. recognition of or compliance with a law, custom, practice, etc
  2. the act of such recognition
  3. a ritual, ceremony, or practice, esp of a religion
  4. observation or attention
  5. the degree of strictness of a religious order or community in following its rule
  6. archaic respectful or deferential attention

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= carrying out of attention to performance of respect for notice of honouring of observation of compliance with adherence to fulfilment of discharge of obedience to keeping of heeding of conformity to

Usage examples

  • To the end of that life Bridget remained ignorant of her husband's faith and her own role in his observance of it.
    Salley Vickers, INSTANCES OF THE NUMBER 3 (2002)
  • But maybe that's what we go to the theatre for: to see conventions honoured more in the breach of them, than the observance.
    Spiked (2003)
  • As part of the ANZAC Day observance , licensed premises were required to close at midnight last night.
    New Zealand Herald (2004)
  • Following discussion with the royal family, the government has issued guidance for the public observance of the mourning period.
    Glasgow Herald (2002)
  • Of course this ideal of public service was more honoured in the breach than in the observance.
    Peregrine Worsthorne, IN DEFENCE OF ARISTOCRACY (2004)

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