observation

Everyday

1. Observation is watching something carefully to learn about it. tree →
2. An observation is something you noticed or recorded, often in science. tree →
3. An observation is a remark or comment about something you noticed. tree →
4. Under observation means being watched carefully, for example by doctors. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons observation is a key skill: pupils record observations in tables, notes and drawings during experiments. In everyday life a patient may be kept under observation. Phrases: make an observation, record observations, under observation, powers of observation, observation post.

Examples

• Write down your observations in the table. tree →
• Observation of the birds showed they came every morning. tree →
• My observation is that the ice melted faster in the sun. tree →
• The doctor kept her under observation overnight. tree →
• She has great powers of observation. tree →
• Our observation lasted ten minutes. tree →
• That's an interesting observation, Jack. tree →
• We made 12 observations, one every 5 minutes, so the test lasted an hour. tree →
• He always coughed before he made any observation, so as to attract attention. tree →

Note

Starts with a vowel: "an observation". Verb: observe. Adjective: observant (good at noticing). Trap: an observation is what you see; a conclusion is what you decide from it.