Observes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To attentively notice or perceive something ; to celebrate or keep a special day or event ; to adhere to or comply with a law, custom, or rule
2. To watch carefully and become aware of details ; to officially acknowledge or honor an occasion ; to obey established guidelines or requirements
3. To pay close attention to something and recognize it ; to solemnly observe a ritual or holiday ; to respect and act according to prescribed regulations

Etymology: "Observes" is the third-person singular present form of "observe," so its history is that of the verb itself. The verb comes from Latin "observō," meaning "to watch," built from "ob-" ("before" or "toward") and "servō" ("to keep"). The sense is a literal one: to keep something in view, to keep watch over it. The verb passed into Middle French as "observer" and then into English. Its ancestor "servō" also gave English "preserve" and "conserve," so "observe" and "preserve" are close relatives, both carrying the idea of keeping something safe or in sight. The Latin "servō" traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to guard," which also produced Old English "searu," meaning "device" or "contrivance," a word that has the same root as the idea of guarding.

Synonyms: watches, notices, sees, monitors, regards

Antonyms: ignores, overlooks, disregards, neglects, misses