observe
Definitions
To watch carefully; to notice
观察；注意到
To make a remark about what one has noticed
评论；说道
To follow or comply with a rule, law, or custom
遵守（规则/法律/习俗）
To celebrate or mark a holiday or occasion
庆祝、纪念（节日/场合）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedob- ('toward, at') + serve (servāre 'watch over') = keep your eyes on something. From 'watching' come the other senses by a single thread: watch a rule = keep it (observe the law); watch a holiday = mark it (observe Christmas); say what you have watched = remark (she observed that...).
Root serv still carries 62 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from 'watch' to 'obey a rule' puzzles many learners. The bridge is the idea of keeping watch over something so it stays intact — when you 'observe' a law, you are guarding it, not just looking at it. Same root image (servāre, watch over), pointed at a rule instead of an object.
Common Collocations
- 1.observe closely仔细观察
- 2.observe the rules遵守规则
- 3.observe a holiday纪念节日
- 4.observe a moment of silence默哀片刻
Example Sentences
- 1.
Scientists observed the comet for several weeks.
- 2.
All visitors must observe the safety regulations.
- 3.
"It's getting late," she observed quietly.
- 4.
Many families still observe the old traditions at the new year.