English Dictionary

Definition of “observation

observation (ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃənPronunciation for observation

Definitions

noun

  1. the act of observing or the state of being observed
  2. a comment or remark
  3. detailed examination of phenomena prior to analysis, diagnosis, or interpretation  ⇒ the patient was under observation 
  4. the facts learned from observing
  5. an obsolete word for observance
  6. nautical 
    1. a sight taken with an instrument to determine the position of an observer relative to that of a given heavenly body
    2. the data so taken

Alternative Forms

ˌobserˈvational adjective ˌobserˈvationally adverb

Usage examples

  • Triggered from the centre somewhere or from some corner of the yacht not normally under observation.
    Gagman, Maurice, Doubtful Motives (1987)
  • The observation was first reported by the International Astronomical Union center on Sunday.
    New Scientist (2003)
  • Which brings us to one last observation about the film, which should be of concern to 14-year-old boys of all ages.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • The child, although uninjured, was taken to hospital for observation.
    Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2004)
  • He had insatiable curiosity, an analytical and mercurial mind, a remarkable gift of observation , and immense and persistent enthusiasm.
    Jim Leavesley, George Biro, THE MEDICAL MYSTERIES E-OMNIBUS (2001)

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