- [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
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- [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 statementstatementcomment ▪ announcement ▪ remark ▪ declaration ▪ observationThese are all words for something that you say or write, especially something that gives information or an opinion.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.
- She made helpful comments on my work.
- the announcement of a peace agreement
- He made a number of rude remarks about the food.
- the declaration of war
- 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’.
Check pronunciation:
observation