observation

 
Pronunciation: /ɒbzəˈveɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone: she was brought into hospital for observation units kept enemy forces under observation for days [count noun]: detailed observations were carried out on the students' behaviour
  • the ability to notice things, especially significant details: his powers of observation
  • the act of taking the altitude of the sun or another celestial body to find a latitude or longitude.
  • 2a statement based on something one has seen, heard, or noticed: he made a telling observation about Hughie

Derivatives

observational

adjective

observationally

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'respectful adherence to the requirements of rules or ritual'): from Latin observatio(n-), from the verb observare (see observe)