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A1 noun #2,500 最常用 8分钟阅读

observation

At the A1 level, 'observation' is a word you use to talk about looking at things carefully. It is a noun. You use it when you want to say that you are watching something to learn. For example, in a science class, you look at a plant and see it grow. That is an observation. It is a simple way to describe the act of using your eyes to get information. You might say, 'I made an observation: the cat is hungry.' This means you looked at the cat and noticed it wanted food. It is a more 'serious' word than just 'looking.' When you use this word, people think you are being very careful and smart. It is often used with the verb 'make.' You 'make an observation.' It is also used in hospitals. If a doctor says 'observation,' it means they want to watch you for a little while to make sure you are okay. You don't need to stay for a long time, just long enough for them to see what happens. This word helps you sound more professional when you talk about what you see around you.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'observation' to describe more specific activities. You understand that it isn't just about seeing, but about noticing details. You might use it in the context of hobbies, like bird-watching or star-gazing. 'My observation of the birds was very interesting.' You also learn that 'observation' can be a comment. If you notice that the bus is always late, you can say, 'I have an observation: the bus is never on time.' Here, the word means a 'thought' or a 'remark' based on what you have seen many times. You might also encounter the phrase 'under observation.' This is common in news stories or medical contexts. If a suspect is 'under observation' by the police, it means the police are watching them secretly. At this level, you should try to use the word to replace simpler phrases like 'the thing I noticed.' It makes your English sound more structured and academic.
By B1, 'observation' becomes a key term for discussing research, reports, and professional feedback. You should be comfortable using it in plural form ('observations') to describe the data collected during an experiment or a project. For instance, 'After two weeks of observations, we concluded that the new system is faster.' You also begin to see the word used in more abstract ways, such as 'powers of observation.' This refers to someone's talent for noticing things that others miss. 'She has great powers of observation; she noticed the small change in the contract immediately.' You also learn the difference between 'observation' and 'observance.' While 'observation' is about watching, 'observance' is about following rules or traditions. Understanding this distinction is a sign of a B1 learner. You can also use 'observation' to introduce a critique in a polite way: 'May I make an observation about the project plan?' This sounds more constructive than just giving an opinion.
At the B2 level, you use 'observation' with a high degree of precision. You understand its role in the scientific method—how observations lead to hypotheses and eventually to theories. You can discuss 'qualitative' versus 'quantitative' observations. You also use the word in a more literary or philosophical sense. For example, you might read a book that is described as a 'keen observation of modern life.' This means the author has noticed and described the small, important details of how people live today. You are also familiar with the use of 'observation' in legal and clinical settings. You might discuss 'participant observation' in sociology, where a researcher joins a group to watch them from the inside. At this level, you should be able to use collocations like 'astute observation,' 'clinical observation,' and 'empirical observation' naturally in your writing and speaking.
For C1 learners, 'observation' is a nuanced tool for analysis. You can use it to discuss the 'observer effect' in physics or psychology—the idea that the act of observing something changes the thing being observed. You use the word to describe sophisticated insights into human nature or complex systems. You might analyze a film's 'unflinching observation of social inequality.' The word here implies a deep, unblinking look at a difficult reality. You also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, connecting it to the Latin 'observare,' meaning to watch over or guard. In your own writing, you use 'observation' to frame complex arguments, often starting a paragraph with an observation about a trend before moving into a deeper analysis. You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use it versus more specialized terms like 'scrutiny' or 'surveillance.'
At the C2 level, you master the most subtle and metaphorical uses of 'observation.' You can discuss the word in the context of epistemology—how our observations form the basis of all knowledge and the limits of those observations. You might use it to describe a 'detached observation,' where someone watches an emotional event without getting involved, or a 'poignant observation' that captures a deep truth about the human condition. You are comfortable using the word in its rarest forms, such as the 'observation of protocol' in high-level diplomacy. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can weave the word into complex sentences that explore the relationship between perception, reality, and language. For you, 'observation' is not just a word, but a concept that you can manipulate to express very specific, high-level ideas about the world and how we perceive it.
开始练习 例句 笔记与提示

observation 30秒了解

  • Observation is the active process of watching and recording details to gain knowledge or evidence about a subject.
  • It can refer to the act of watching (e.g., medical observation) or a specific remark made about something noticed.
  • In science, it is the first step of the scientific method, providing the raw data needed for theories.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'make an observation,' 'under observation,' and 'powers of observation' to denote careful attention.

The term observation is a cornerstone of human understanding, representing the deliberate and systematic act of perceiving the world. At its most basic level, an observation is what you notice when you look closely at something. However, in a more formal or scientific context, it refers to the disciplined process of monitoring a subject to gather data or evidence. It is the bridge between the external world and our internal knowledge. When we observe, we are not just seeing; we are analyzing, recording, and interpreting. This noun describes both the process (the act of watching) and the result (the remark or statement based on what was seen). For instance, a doctor might keep a patient under observation to see how they react to a new medicine, or a child might make an observation about how the moon changes shape over a month.

Visual Observation
The most common form, involving the use of sight to detect patterns, colors, or movements in a specific environment.
Scientific Observation
A rigorous method of data collection where variables are noted without interference to maintain objectivity.
Casual Observation
The everyday act of noticing things in passing, such as observing that the traffic is heavier than usual today.

"The scientist spent years in the forest, and her careful observation of the birds led to a groundbreaking discovery about their migration patterns."

— Example of academic usage

To truly understand observation, one must distinguish it from simple 'seeing.' Seeing is passive; observation is active. It requires a focused mind and often a specific goal. In the realm of psychology, observation is used to study behavior in natural settings. In the realm of law, an observation might be a statement made by a witness. The word carries a weight of authority—when you make an observation, you are claiming to have noticed something that others might have missed. It involves the synthesis of sensory input into a coherent thought or record.

"Based on my observation of the market trends, I believe now is the best time to invest in renewable energy."

"The patient was admitted to the hospital for observation after the accident to ensure no internal injuries were missed."

Empirical Evidence
Information acquired by means of observation or experimentation that justifies a belief or theory.
Qualitative Observation
Descriptions of the qualities of an object, such as its smell, texture, or appearance, rather than numerical data.

Furthermore, the word can refer to the act of following a custom or law, though this is less common in modern A1-level conversation (e.g., the observation of a holiday). In most contexts you will encounter, it remains rooted in the act of watching and noting. Whether you are a student observing a chemistry experiment or a detective observing a suspect, the core meaning remains the same: the focused application of attention to gain knowledge. This process is fundamental to learning, as we first observe before we can mimic, understand, or innovate.

Using the word observation correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can describe both a process and a specific comment. It is frequently paired with verbs like 'make,' 'keep,' 'conduct,' and 'record.' For beginners, the most common structure is 'make an observation,' which means to say something you have noticed. For example, 'He made an interesting observation about the weather.' In more formal settings, 'under observation' is a standard phrase used to describe someone being watched closely, often for safety or research reasons.

"The teacher's observation that the students were tired led to an unscheduled break."

When writing about science or research, 'observation' is often pluralized. 'Observations were recorded every ten minutes' is a typical sentence in a lab report. Note that the word is countable when referring to specific comments or instances of watching, but can be uncountable when referring to the general practice. You can have 'powers of observation,' which refers to a person's ability to notice small details. This is a high-level compliment for a detective, an artist, or a scientist.

Collocation: Keen Observation
Refers to very sharp or highly developed skills in noticing details that others might miss.
Collocation: Close Observation
Watching something from a very short distance or with extreme attention to every minor change.

In social contexts, 'making an observation' is a polite way to offer a critique or a thought without sounding too aggressive. It suggests that your comment is based on objective facts rather than just personal feelings. For example, saying 'I have an observation about the new office layout' sounds more professional than saying 'I don't like the new office layout.' It invites discussion based on what has been seen and experienced.

You will encounter the word observation in a variety of professional and academic environments. In a hospital, you might hear a nurse say, 'We are keeping him in for observation overnight.' This means they want to watch his condition closely. In a classroom, a teacher might ask students to 'write down your observations' during a science experiment involving plants or chemicals. This encourages the students to document what they see, smell, or hear.

"The security guard's observation of the suspicious vehicle prevented a potential break-in."

In the world of business, managers often conduct 'peer observations' where they watch employees work to provide constructive feedback. This is a standard part of professional development. In journalism, an 'observation' might refer to a reporter's personal account of an event they witnessed firsthand. You will also hear it in legal settings, where a witness's observation of a crime scene is critical evidence in a trial.

Weather reports also rely on 'meteorological observations.' These are the measurements of temperature, wind speed, and pressure taken at weather stations. When you hear a weather forecaster say 'Based on our latest observations,' they are referring to the data they have just collected from their instruments. This highlights the word's connection to data and factual accuracy.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing observation with observance. While they share the same root, 'observance' refers to the act of following a rule, custom, or religious ritual (e.g., the observance of the Sabbath). 'Observation' refers to the act of watching or a comment made. For example, you 'observe' a law (observance), but you 'observe' a bird (observation).

Incorrect: Observance of the stars
Correct: Observation of the stars (unless you are worshipping them as part of a ritual).
Incorrect: I made a see of the cat
Correct: I made an observation of the cat's behavior.

Another mistake is using 'observation' when 'opinion' might be more appropriate. An observation should be based on something seen or perceived, whereas an opinion can be based purely on internal feelings. If you say 'My observation is that the soup is too salty,' it implies you have tasted it and are reporting a fact. If you say 'My opinion is that soup is bad,' it is just a personal preference.

Finally, don't confuse 'observation' with 'view.' A 'view' is often just the scene you see (e.g., a mountain view), while an 'observation' is the act of looking at that scene with a purpose or the thought you have about it. You don't 'make a view,' but you do 'make an observation.'

Several words share a semantic field with observation, but each has a distinct nuance. Monitoring is perhaps the closest synonym in a technical sense; it implies a continuous, ongoing observation over a period of time, often with the help of instruments. For example, 'monitoring the heart rate' is a specific type of observation.

Scrutiny
This implies a very close, critical, and detailed observation, often looking for mistakes or flaws.
Inspection
A formal type of observation where someone checks if something meets specific standards or rules.
Surveillance
Often used in a security or police context, this refers to the close observation of a person or place, especially one suspected of a crime.

Notice is a simpler, more casual alternative. While 'observation' sounds academic, 'notice' is something we do every second. However, you cannot 'make a notice' in the same way you 'make an observation.' Remark is a synonym for the 'comment' meaning of observation. If you make an observation about someone's hat, you are making a remark about it. However, 'remark' does not cover the scientific process of watching.

How Formal Is It?

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难度评级

需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

1

I made an observation about the cat.

J'ai fait une observation sur le chat.

Uses 'make an' + noun.

2

The doctor kept him for observation.

Le médecin l'a gardé en observation.

Prepositional phrase 'for observation'.

3

Her observation was that the room was cold.

Son observation était que la pièce était froide.

Noun as subject.

4

We need to record every observation.

Nous devons enregistrer chaque observation.

Countable noun with 'every'.

5

The teacher liked my observation.

Le professeur a aimé mon observation.

Possessive adjective + noun.

6

Is that a new observation?

Est-ce une nouvelle observation ?

Interrogative sentence.

7

He has good powers of observation.

Il a de bons pouvoirs d'observation.

Idiomatic phrase 'powers of observation'.

8

The observation deck is on the top floor.

Le pont d'observation est au dernier étage.

Compound noun 'observation deck'.

1

The police kept the house under observation.

La police a gardé la maison sous surveillance.

Phrase 'under observation'.

2

She shared her observations with the team.

Elle a partagé ses observations avec l'équipe.

Plural noun 'observations'.

3

The bird-watcher made a rare observation.

L'observateur d'oiseaux a fait une observation rare.

Adjective 'rare' modifying 'observation'.

4

His observation about the traffic was correct.

Son observation sur le trafic était correcte.

Noun + preposition 'about'.

5

We are here for the observation of the stars.

Nous sommes ici pour l'observation des étoiles.

Formal 'the observation of'.

6

The nurse wrote an observation in the chart.

L'infirmière a écrit une observation dans le dossier.

Indefinite article 'an' before vowel sound.

7

Careful observation is needed for this task.

Une observation attentive est nécessaire pour cette tâche.

Uncountable usage here.

8

I have one small observation to make.

J'ai une petite observation à faire.

Infinitive 'to make' following the noun.

1

The study is based on years of clinical observation.

L'étude est basée sur des années d'observation clinique.

Adjective 'clinical' + noun.

2

She is famous for her keen observation of human nature.

Elle est célèbre pour son observation fine de la nature humaine.

Collocation 'keen observation'.

3

The results of the observation were surprising.

Les résultats de l'observation étaient surprenants.

Subject-verb agreement with 'results'.

4

The patient was released after a period of observation.

Le patient a été libéré après une période d'observation.

Noun phrase 'period of observation'.

5

He made a sharp observation about the company's finances.

Il a fait une observation percutante sur les finances de l'entreprise.

Adjective 'sharp' used metaphorically.

6

Observation of the rules is mandatory for all members.

L'observation des règles est obligatoire pour tous les membres.

Here used as 'observance' (formal/rare).

7

The satellite provides constant observation of the Earth.

Le satellite assure une observation constante de la Terre.

Adjective 'constant' + noun.

8

Her powers of observation helped her solve the puzzle.

Ses pouvoirs d'observation l'ont aidée à résoudre l'énigme.

Plural 'powers' + 'of observation'.

1

The theory was developed through empirical observation.

La théorie a été développée par l'observation empirique.

Academic term 'empirical observation'.

2

There is a significant difference between seeing and observation.

Il y a une différence significative entre voir et observer.

Contrast between gerund and noun.

3

The report includes detailed observations on the local flora.

Le rapport comprend des observations détaillées sur la flore locale.

Preposition 'on' used for topics.

4

The suspect was placed under 24-hour observation.

Le suspect a été placé sous surveillance 24 heures sur 24.

Compound adjective '24-hour'.

5

His observation that the market was saturated proved true.

Son observation selon laquelle le marché était saturé s'est avérée vraie.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

6

The artist's work is a profound observation of urban decay.

L'œuvre de l'artiste est une observation profonde du déclin urbain.

Metaphorical use in art criticism.

7

We must ensure the objective observation of the experiment.

Nous devons assurer l'observation objective de l'expérience.

Adjective 'objective' + noun.

8

The journal publishes original observations in the field of physics.

La revue publie des observations originales dans le domaine de la physique.

Plural noun in professional context.

1

The observer effect suggests that observation alters the reality.

L'effet de l'observateur suggère que l'observation modifie la réalité.

Abstract scientific concept.

2

His novels are celebrated for their astute observation of social mores.

Ses romans sont célébrés pour leur observation astucieuse des mœurs sociales.

High-level vocabulary 'astute' and 'mores'.

3

The data was gathered through non-participant observation.

Les données ont été recueillies par observation non participante.

Sociological technical term.

4

Her observation of the subtle shift in tone was remarkable.

Son observation du changement subtil de ton était remarquable.

Focus on abstract sensory details.

5

The film offers a chilling observation of totalitarianism.

Le film offre une observation glaçante du totalitarisme.

Adjective 'chilling' + noun.

6

The validity of the study depends on the accuracy of the initial observation.

La validité de l'étude dépend de la précision de l'observation initiale.

Complex sentence structure.

7

He made a rather droll observation about the ceremony.

Il a fait une observation assez drôle sur la cérémonie.

Sophisticated adjective 'droll'.

8

The philosopher's observation regarding human will is still debated.

L'observation du philosophe concernant la volonté humaine est toujours débattue.

Preposition 'regarding'.

1

The treatise is an exhaustive observation of post-war economic shifts.

Le traité est une observation exhaustive des changements économiques d'après-guerre.

Adjective 'exhaustive' implying total coverage.

2

One might argue that all knowledge is merely refined observation.

On pourrait soutenir que toute connaissance n'est qu'une observation affinée.

Epistemological claim.

3

The poem is a poignant observation on the transience of life.

Le poème est une observation poignante sur le caractère éphémère de la vie.

Literary analysis context.

4

His clinical observation was untainted by personal bias.

Son observation clinique n'était pas entachée de préjugés personnels.

Passive voice with 'untainted by'.

5

The sheer depth of his observation left the audience speechless.

La profondeur même de son observation a laissé le public sans voix.

Emphasis using 'sheer depth'.

6

The methodology relies on the longitudinal observation of subjects.

La méthodologie repose sur l'observation longitudinale des sujets.

Technical research term 'longitudinal'.

7

Her observation served as the catalyst for the entire movement.

Son observation a servi de catalyseur à tout le mouvement.

Metaphorical 'catalyst'.

8

The nuances of his observation were lost on the casual reader.

Les nuances de son observation ont échappé au lecteur occasionnel.

Phrase 'lost on' meaning not understood.

近义词

notice examination inspection study monitoring scrutiny

反义词

neglect ignorance disregard

常见搭配

keen observation
close observation
clinical observation
scientific observation
make an observation
under observation
powers of observation
empirical observation
direct observation
careful observation

常用短语

keep under observation

just an observation

based on my observation

field observation

point of observation

observation deck

observation post

personal observation

daily observation

initial observation

容易混淆的词

observation vs observance

Observance is following a rule; observation is watching something.

observation vs opinion

Observation is based on external evidence; opinion is a personal belief.

observation vs view

A view is what is seen; an observation is the act of looking or the thought about it.

习语与表达

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容易混淆

observation vs

observation vs

observation vs

observation vs

observation vs

句型

如何使用

nuance

Observation implies a level of intent and focus that 'seeing' lacks.

formality

It is a medium-to-high formality word.

常见错误
  • Using 'observance' when you mean 'watching'.
  • Saying 'I did an observation' instead of 'I made an observation'.
  • Confusing 'observation' with 'opinion' in scientific writing.
  • Misspelling it as 'obsevation' (forgetting the 'r').
  • Using 'observation' to mean a physical 'view' or 'scenery'.

小贴士

Use in Essays

Start a sentence with 'A key observation is...' to highlight your main point.

Expand Your Range

Try using 'scrutiny' if the observation is very intense and critical.

Verb Pairing

Always pair 'observation' with 'make' when you are speaking your thoughts.

The 'Tion' Ending

Remember that '-tion' always sounds like 'shun' in English.

Lab Reports

In science, distinguish between 'observation' (what you see) and 'inference' (what you think it means).

Hospital Context

If someone is 'in for observation,' they are usually there for 24-48 hours.

Polite Critique

Use 'I have an observation' to give feedback without being rude.

Active Learning

Practice by making one observation about every new place you visit.

The 'S' and 'V'

Don't forget the 's' after 'ob' and the 'v' in the middle.

Eagle Eye

Someone with an 'eagle eye' has excellent powers of observation.

记住它

记忆技巧

OB-SERVE-ATION: You OBserve a SERVE in a tennis match to make an observATION.

词源

Latin

文化背景

The 'Observation of Nature' was a movement in 19th-century landscape painting.

In hospitals, 'observation' is a formal status with specific legal and insurance meanings.

Observation is the first step in the scientific method used worldwide.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"What is the most interesting observation you've made today?"

"Do you think you have good powers of observation?"

"Have you ever been kept in a hospital for observation?"

"What observations can you make about the city you live in?"

"How does observation help a scientist do their job?"

日记主题

Write down five observations about the room you are in right now.

Describe a time when your observation of a small detail saved you from a mistake.

How does 'observing' someone differ from just 'looking' at them?

Record your observations of a plant or a pet over the next three days.

If you were a detective, what would be your first observation at a crime scene?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, 'observations' is used when referring to multiple notes or comments.

The standard collocation is 'make an observation.'

A platform, usually on a high building, for viewing the surrounding area.

Yes, it is a fundamental part of the scientific method.

It means the patient is being watched closely but hasn't been admitted for long-term care yet.

No, you should use 'observance' for following religious traditions.

It is more formal than 'looking' but common in everyday English.

The ability to notice small, important details.

It is spelled 'observations'.

Yes, it often refers to a remark made based on something noticed.

自我测试 180 个问题

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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