observance
uhb-ZER-vuhnss
/əbˈzɜː.vəns/
The act of obeying or following a law, custom, religious rule, or holiday.
Refers to keeping a custom, law, or religious holiday through dutiful practice.
The story behind the word. From Latin observantia (attentive care, respect), derived from observare (ob- 'before' + servare 'to keep, guard'). It meant keeping or guarding sacred laws through outward actions.
Word relationships
- compliance: Compliance emphasizes obedience to secular rules; observance carries religious or traditional respect.
- adherence: Adherence means sticking to a belief; observance is the outward practice of it.
- noncompliance: Failure to follow rules or laws.
- violation: Breaching a rule or law.
Commonly confused with
- observation: Observation means watching or taking note of something; observance means carrying out a ritual or obeying a law.
Word family
- observant (adjective): Strictly keeping religious rules or quick to notice things.
- observe (verb): To celebrate a holiday or follow a rule.
Collocations
- strict observance
- religious observance
- in observance of
- observance of the law
Idioms & expressions
- in observance of
Example sentences
- "Strict observance of local customs helped visitors earn the respect of the elders." Sociology / Law
- "The religious holiday requires complete observance of fasting guidelines from sunrise to sunset." Religion
Memory hook
OBSERVE the rule through active OBSERVANCE. Keeping the rule or holy day.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'observation' (the act of watching or noticing something).
Fun facts
- Government offices close 'in observance of' national holidays.
Related words
Also appears in
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