مشاهدات
Observations are the things you notice when you look at something closely.
Explanation at your level:
An observation is when you look at something. You see it and you know what it is. For example, you see a red car. That is an observation.
When you look at things carefully, you make observations. Scientists make many observations to learn new things about the world.
Observations are the details you gather by watching. If you are doing a project, you write down your observations in a notebook.
The term refers to the act of monitoring or noting facts. It is common in professional settings, such as when a teacher makes observations about a student's progress.
In formal contexts, observations represent the empirical data collected through sensory perception or instrumentation. It implies a systematic approach to gathering information.
The concept of observation is foundational to epistemology. It denotes the critical process of distilling raw sensory input into structured, intelligible data, often serving as the basis for theory formation.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Noun meaning the act of watching.
- Used in science and formal settings.
- Plural is observations.
- Don't confuse with observance.
Think of observations as the building blocks of knowledge. Whenever you pay close attention to the world around you—whether you're watching birds in the park or checking how a chemical reacts in a beaker—you are making observations.
In everyday life, we make them constantly. You might make an observation about the weather, like noticing the clouds are turning gray, or about a friend, like noticing they seem a bit tired today. It is essentially the bridge between seeing and understanding.
The word observation traces its roots back to the Latin word observare, which means 'to watch over' or 'to attend to.' It combines ob- (meaning 'in front of') and servare (meaning 'to keep or guard').
Historically, it was used in the context of 'keeping' or 'guarding' a law or religious rite. Over time, the meaning shifted toward the scientific sense of 'watching' or 'examining' nature, which became prominent during the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century.
You will often hear this word in academic, medical, or scientific settings. We talk about making or recording observations. It is a formal word, so you wouldn't usually use it to describe just 'looking' at something casual.
Common collocations include empirical observations, careful observations, and clinical observations. Using this word elevates your speech, making it sound more analytical and precise.
While 'observation' is a formal noun, it appears in phrases like 'under observation', which means someone is being watched closely, often in a hospital. Another is 'make an observation', which is a polite way to introduce a comment.
You might also hear 'observations on', used in titles of essays or critiques. These expressions help you sound more professional when presenting your findings to others.
Observation is a countable noun. Its plural is observations. In IPA, it is pronounced /ˌɒbzərˈveɪʃənz/ in British English and /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃənz/ in American English.
The stress falls on the third syllable: ob-ser-VA-tion. It is often used with verbs like 'record', 'note', or 'document'.
Fun Fact
The word originally meant to 'keep' a law, which is why we still use 'observance' for religious holidays.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ob-zer-vay-shunz'.
Starts with a deeper 'ah' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'z' sound as 's'.
- Putting stress on the wrong syllable.
- Dropping the final 'z' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
one observation, two observations
Noun Suffixes
-tion for nouns
Prepositional Phrases
under observation
Examples by Level
I make an observation.
I see something.
Simple present.
The bird is an observation.
I see the bird.
Noun usage.
He has an observation.
He has something to say.
Possessive.
Look at my observation.
Look at what I saw.
Imperative.
This is a good observation.
You saw that well.
Adjective usage.
Write your observations.
Write what you see.
Plural noun.
I like his observations.
I like his comments.
Plural object.
These are my observations.
These are my notes.
Demonstrative.
She recorded her observations.
The doctor made several observations.
His observations were very helpful.
I shared my observations with him.
The scientist wrote down his observations.
Did you note any observations?
These observations are important.
My observations show a pattern.
The team documented their observations carefully.
Her observations provided insight into the problem.
We based our theory on these observations.
The patient is under close observation.
His observations about the culture were sharp.
Are your observations based on facts?
The report includes many observations.
I find your observations quite interesting.
The study is based on empirical observations.
He made some astute observations regarding the market.
The telescope allows for deep space observations.
Under constant observation, the subject behaved differently.
Her observations challenged the existing paradigm.
The teacher's observations were included in the report.
We need to verify these observations.
His observations were published in a journal.
The researcher's observations led to a breakthrough.
The observational data confirmed the hypothesis.
His observations were noted for their clinical precision.
The committee reviewed the observations of the inspectors.
She offered some insightful observations on the play.
The observations were recorded in real-time.
His observations were met with skepticism.
The study relies heavily on qualitative observations.
The phenomenological observations were deeply profound.
His observations served as the cornerstone of the theory.
The subtle observations captured the essence of the era.
Such observations are quintessential to the scientific method.
The author's observations transcend mere description.
He provided a series of observations on human nature.
The observations were meticulously documented.
These observations have stood the test of time.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"under observation"
being watched closely
The suspect is under observation.
neutral"make an observation"
to comment on something
May I make an observation?
formal"beyond observation"
too far or small to be seen
The particles are beyond observation.
formal"keen observation"
noticing things others miss
She has a keen observation skill.
neutral"by observation"
learning by watching
I learned the craft by observation.
neutral"first-hand observation"
seeing it yourself
This is based on first-hand observation.
formalEasily Confused
Similar spelling
Observance is for rules/rituals
The observance of the holiday.
Both are comments
Observation is fact-based
That is my observation, not just an opinion.
Both relate to sight
Vision is the ability to see
He has poor vision.
Both mean watching
Inspection is for quality checks
The building inspection.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + make + observation + about
He made an observation about the weather.
Subject + be + under + observation
The patient is under observation.
Subject + record + observations
They recorded their observations.
Subject + base + theory + on + observations
I base my theory on these observations.
Subject + share + observations + with
She shared her observations with the team.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
7/10
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
Observation implies facts seen, opinion is a belief.
Observance means following a rule or tradition.
Observation is the noun form.
It is a countable noun.
It ends in -tion.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings or research.
Cultural Insight
Valued in Western education.
Grammar Shortcut
Ends in -tion, so it is a noun.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'z' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse with observance.
Did You Know?
It comes from 'to keep'.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences about your day.
Academic Writing
Use it to introduce evidence.
Professional Tone
Use it instead of 'I saw'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Ob-serve-a-tion: Ob (to) + serve (keep) + action.
Visual Association
A scientist looking through a microscope.
Word Web
Desafío
Spend 5 minutes today observing your surroundings and writing down 3 things.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Original meaning: To watch over or guard
Contexto cultural
None
Commonly used in academic and professional settings to denote objectivity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Science Lab
- record observations
- document findings
- careful analysis
Medical
- under observation
- clinical observations
- patient monitoring
School/Meetings
- make an observation
- share feedback
- point out
Field Research
- field observations
- data collection
- first-hand account
Conversation Starters
"What is an interesting observation you made today?"
"Do you prefer making observations or taking action?"
"How do you record your observations?"
"Why are observations important in science?"
"Can you share an observation about this room?"
Journal Prompts
Describe three observations you made on your way to work.
Why is it important to be observant in daily life?
Write about a time your observations changed your mind.
How do you distinguish between an observation and an opinion?
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasSeeing is physical, observation is intentional.
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal.
Observation is watching; observance is following rules.
Yes, 'observe' is the verb.
Just add an 's'.
Yes, that is a common phrase.
It is a fundamental scientific term.
Usually neutral, unless 'under observation' for a crime.
Ponte a prueba
I made an ___ of the bird.
The context requires a noun describing looking.
What does 'observation' mean?
Observation is the process of watching.
An observation is always an opinion.
Observations are based on things seen, not just feelings.
Word
Significado
Correct parts of speech.
Subject-verb-adjective order.
The patient is under ___.
Noun is needed after 'under'.
Which is a synonym for observation?
Scrutiny implies careful watching.
Observations can be empirical.
Empirical observations are based on data.
His ___ of the rules was strict.
Observance is for rules.
Word
Significado
Word forms.
Puntuación: /10
Summary
An observation is a careful look at something to gather facts.
- Noun meaning the act of watching.
- Used in science and formal settings.
- Plural is observations.
- Don't confuse with observance.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings or research.
Cultural Insight
Valued in Western education.
Grammar Shortcut
Ends in -tion, so it is a noun.
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