observation
noun OPAL WOPAL S
/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn/
/ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃn/
- [uncountable, countable] the act of watching somebody/something carefully for a period of time, especially to learn something
- Most information was collected by direct observation of the animals' behaviour.
- results based on scientific observations
- We managed to escape observation (= we were not seen).
- under observation The suspect is being kept under observation (= watched closely by the police).
- She has outstanding powers of observation (= the ability to notice things around her).
- an observation post/tower (= a place from where somebody, especially an enemy, can be watched)
- an observation deck (= a room or platform at the top of a tall building which provides views of the surrounding area)
- his close observations of animal life in its natural setting
Collocations Scientific researchScientific researchTheory- formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
- build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
- develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework
- advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
- explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
- make a prediction/an inference
- base a prediction/your calculations on something
- investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
- design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
- do research/an experiment/an analysis
- make observations/measurements/calculations
- carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
- run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
- repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
- replicate a study/the results/the findings
- observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behaviour
- fund/support the research/project/study
- seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
- collect/gather/extract data/information
- yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
- analyse/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
- consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
- fit the data/model
- confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
- prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
- draw/make/reach the same conclusions
- read/review the records/literature
- describe/report an experiment/a study
- present/publish/summarize the results/findings
- present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal
Extra Examples- She was admitted to hospital for observation.
- The police have had him under observation for several weeks.
- There's a lot to be learned from simple observation.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- careful
- close
- detailed
- …
- for observation
- under observation
- observation of
- …
- powers of observation
- [countable] (formal) a comment, especially based on something you have seen, heard or read synonym remark
- May I make a personal observation?
- observation about/on something He began by making a few general observations about the report.
- She has some interesting observations on possible future developments.
- her witty observations on life
Synonyms statementstatement- comment
- announcement
- remark
- declaration
- observation
- statement something that you say or write that gives information or an opinion, often in a formal way:
- A government spokesperson made a statement to the press.
- comment something that you say or write that gives an opinion on something or is a response to a question about a particular situation:
- She made helpful comments on my work.
- announcement a spoken or written statement that informs people about something:
- the announcement of a peace agreement
- remark something that you say or write that gives an opinion or thought about somebody/something:
- He made a number of rude remarks about the food.
- declaration (rather formal) an official or formal statement, especially one that states an intention, belief or feeling, or that gives information:
- the declaration of war
- observation (rather formal) a comment, especially one based on something you have seen, heard or read:
- He began by making a few general observations about the report.
- a(n) statement/comment/announcement/remark/declaration/observation about something
- a(n) statement/comment/observation on something
- a(n) public/official statement/comment/announcement/declaration
- to make a(n) statement/comment/announcement/remark/declaration/observation
- to issue a(n) statement/announcement/declaration
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- general
- accurate
- astute
- …
- make
- offer
- observation about
- observation from
- observation on
- …
Word Originlate Middle English (in the sense ‘respectful adherence to the requirements of rules or ritual’): from Latin observatio(n-), from the verb observare ‘to watch’, from ob- ‘towards’ + servare ‘attend to, look at’.