From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishobservationob‧ser‧va‧tion /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən $ ˌɑːbzər-/ ●●○ W3 noun 1 [countable, uncountable]WATCH the process of watching something or someone carefully for a period of timeobservation of Bloomfield’s approach to linguistics was based on observation of the language. He spent two nights under close observation in hospital. His orders were to keep the men under observation. Art classes help develop children’s powers of observation. Careful observation suggests that this is not the case. Detailed observations were carried out on the behaviour of the students. From their direct observations, children absorb a model of marriage.2 [countable] something that you notice when watching something or someone Some interesting observations emerged from this research.3 [countable]SAY a spoken or written remark about something you have noticedobservation on Darwin’s observations on the habits of certain birdsobservation about Paz makes some observations about the role of the critic.► see thesaurus at comment4 [uncountable]OBEY the act of obeying a law etc SYN observance —observational adjectiveCOLLOCATIONSphrasesbe under observation (=be in the process of being watched)The police said that the house had been under observation.keep somebody under observation (=closely watch someone or something over a period of time)The doctor ordered that the patient be kept under observation.somebody’s powers of observation (=someone’s abilty to watch things in a way that helps them learn and understand more)In the past, people used their own powers of observation to forecast the weather.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + observationclose/careful/detailed observationA lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you.casual observation (=observation that is not done in a very careful or organized way)Even casual observation makes this theory improbable.direct observationPiaget developed his theories based on direct observation of children.personal observation (=watching and understanding something yourself, rather than hearing or reading about it)I knew cigarettes were addictive from personal observation.scientific observation (=observation done for scientific purposes)Scientific observation led to the discovery of vaccines.classroom observation (=observation of a teacher and children in a classroom)Classroom observation is only part of what school inspectors do.observation + NOUNan observation post/point (=a place from where you can observe something)The peak of the mountain was a natural location for an observation post.an observation deck/platform/tower (=a structure that is built in order to observe something)The army built an observation tower on the top of the building.phrasesa period of observationThe hospital released him after a period of observation.
Examples from the Corpus
observation• Science follows naturally from questions and observations.• After years of horticultural experience and careful observations, I have compiled a short informational guide on your choices in lawn-mowing equipment.• We want that place kept under constant observation.• His detailed observations helped to dispel popular misconceptions about the habits and behaviour of the cuckoo.• They kept him in overnight just for observation.• Such at least was his observation.• A tour of Washington DC inspired one visitor to make some interesting observations about the gap between the rich and the poor.• Our delusions are just as likely to be real as our most careful scientific observations.• a long-term observation of the solar system• None of those stranded at the observation deck and restaurant on top were injured.• The inspector began his report with the observation that the school was a happy place.• For any, and this observation implies infeasibility.• Those observations made, it should be said that the Herioter did have his moments in the lineout.• She spent two nights in hospital under observation, before being allowed home.• A patrol car spotted us and the officers inside made it clear that we were under observation.• I agree with your observations about the pricing of products.direct observations• And that in general is what makes direct observations good.• Both of the tests we have examined require direct observations of the expected variable.• Possession of such direct observations on expectations would allow us to test the validity of the rational expectations hypothesis in two ways.• From their direct observations they absorb a model of marriage.• Addams' work is filled with direct observations and descriptions of happenings.makes ... observations• In coming to this conclusion he makes two important observations.• He makes cutting observations about racism and sexism and then, unfortunately, veers into lame sneer-along homophobia.• And that in general is what makes direct observations good. 