The inspector began his report with the observation that the school was a happy place.

None of those stranded at the observation deck and restaurant on top were injured.

a long-term observation of the solar system.

Our delusions are just as likely to be real as our most careful scientific observations.

A tour of Washington DC inspired one visitor to make some interesting observations about the gap between the rich and the poor.

They kept him in overnight just for observation.

His detailed observations helped to dispel popular misconceptions about the habits and behaviour of the cuckoo.

We want that place kept under constant observation.

After years of horticultural experience and careful observations, I have compiled a short informational guide on your choices in lawn-mowing equipment.

Science follows naturally from questions and observations.

phrases a period of observation The hospital released him after a period of observation. 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. observation + NOUN an observation post/point (=a place from where you can observe something ) The peak of the mountain was a natural location for an observation post. classroom observation (=observation of a teacher and children in a classroom ) Classroom observation is only part of what school inspectors do. scientific observation (=observation done for scientific purposes ) Scientific observation led to the discovery of vaccines. personal observation (=watching and understanding something yourself, rather than hearing or reading about it ) I knew cigarettes were addictive from personal observation. direct observation Piaget developed his theories based on direct observation of children. casual observation (=observation that is not done in a very careful or organized way ) Even casual observation makes this theory improbable. ADJECTIVES/NOUN + observation close/careful/detailed observation A lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you. 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.

keep somebody under observation (=closely watch someone or something over a period of time ) The doctor ordered that the patient be kept under observation. ► see thesaurus at comment 4 OBEY the act of obeying a law etc SYN observance - observational adjective COLLOCATIONS phrases be under observation (=be in the process of being watched ) The police said that the house had been under observation. 3 SAY a spoken or written remark about something you have noticed observation on Darwin’s observations on the habits of certain birds observation about Paz makes some observations about the role of the critic. 2 something that you notice when watching something or someone Some interesting observations emerged from this research.

From their direct observations, children absorb a model of marriage. Detailed observations were carried out on the behaviour of the students. Careful observation suggests that this is not the case. Art classes help develop children’s powers of observation. His orders were to keep the men under observation.

He spent two nights under close observation in hospital. ○ W3 noun 1 WATCH the process of watching something or someone carefully for a period of time observation of Bloomfield’s approach to linguistics was based on observation of the language.From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English observation ob‧ser‧va‧tion / ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃ ən $ ˌɑːbzər- /

Definition of observation