Home › Technology › Scientific Method & Inquiry › observation

observation

ob-zur-VAY-shun /ˌɒbzərˈveɪʃən/

nounB1TOEFLIELTS

generalformal

The action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information.

In science, observation is more than just seeing; it involves systematic watching, measuring, and recording of phenomena, often using instruments, to gather data objectively.

The story behind the word. The word 'observation' comes from the Latin 'observare,' meaning 'to watch, note, heed, guard.' This Latin root combines 'ob-' (meaning 'before' or 'toward') with 'servare' (meaning 'to watch' or 'to keep'). Thus, to observe is literally 'to watch before' or 'to keep an eye on' something, reflecting the careful attention required to gather information.

Word relationships

scrutiny: Scrutiny implies very close, critical examination, often for flaws; observation is broader, for gathering general information.
monitoring: Monitoring implies continuous or regular observation, often to track changes over time.
inspection: Inspection often implies a formal, official examination, usually for compliance or quality.

disregard: To ignore or pay no attention to something.
neglect: To fail to properly care for or pay attention to.

Word family

observe (verb): To watch carefully the way something happens or someone does something, especially in order to learn more about it.
observant (adjective): Quick to notice things.
observatory (noun): A building equipped for observing astronomical or meteorological phenomena.

Collocations

careful observation
direct observation
systematic observation
clinical observation
field observation

Idioms & expressions

under observation

Example sentences

"The scientist's careful observation of the chemical reaction revealed an unexpected color change, prompting further investigation." Astronomers rely on careful observation to study distant galaxies.
"Through years of patient observation, Jane Goodall revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzee behavior." Many scientific discoveries begin with a keen observation.

Memory hook

Imagine an 'OB'stetrician 'SERVING' (observation) a new baby, carefully watching its every move. OB-SERVE: Watch carefully.

When not to use

While 'observation' can refer to a casual glance, in scientific contexts, it implies a more deliberate and structured act of gathering information. Avoid using it for mere assumptions or guesses.

Fun facts

The term 'observational study' refers to research where scientists simply observe and measure variables without manipulating them, unlike an experiment.