B2noun3K

Observer

UK /["/əbˈzɜːvə(r)/"]/US /["/əbˈzɜːrvər/"]/

Definition

a person who watches somebody/something

In simple words: A person who watches or notices something.

Examples

  • The observer noted every detail of the experiment carefully.
  • As an observer at the meeting, she did not participate but took thorough notes.
  • The political observer commented on the recent election results.
  • Astrophysicists rely on the observer's perspective to interpret the data correctly.
  • The observer from the UN monitored the situation for any violations of peace agreements.
  • In physics, the observer effect explains how measurement alters what is being observed.
  • He remained an indifferent observer during the heated debate, not taking sides.
  • The video was recorded from the observer’s vantage point, giving a clear view of the event.

Usage notes

Used in contexts where someone is watching or studying an event. It can be formal, like in scientific contexts, or neutral in everyday conversations. Avoid using it in very casual situations.

Grammar pattern

observer + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of an 'observe' + 'er' - someone who observes.

Collocations

  • casual
  • informed
  • knowledgeable
  • send
  • attend something as
  • impress
  • see something
  • note something
  • say something
  • lead observers to conclude, suggest, etc. something
  • as an observer
  • observer of
  • casual
  • informed
  • knowledgeable
  • send
  • attend something as
  • impress
  • see something
  • note something
  • say something
  • lead observers to conclude, suggest, etc. something
  • as an observer
  • observer of
  • casual
  • informed
  • knowledgeable
  • send
  • attend something as
  • impress
  • see something
  • note something
  • say something
  • lead observers to conclude, suggest, etc. something
  • as an observer
  • observer of

Synonyms

  • watcher
  • bystander
  • spectator
  • witness
  • onlooker

Antonyms

  • participant
  • doer
  • actor

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'observant', which means being good at noticing things.
  • Using 'observer' to mean 'observant' instead of a person.
  • Pluralizing incorrectly as 'observers' when referring to a single observer.