observer Hear it!

observer Definition

ob·server (əb zʉrv′ər)

noun

  1. a person who observes something; specif.,
    1. a soldier manning an observation post
    2. a person who attends an assembly, convention, etc., not as an official delegate but only to observe and report the proceedings
    3. an official, usually a member of a group, sent by a UN committee to collect and report facts on the situation in a special area
  2. a member of an aircraft crew, other than a pilot, with certain specialized duties and a special rating (aircraft observer)

observer Synonyms

observer

n.

  1. One who watches

    watcher, watchman, sentinel, lookout, sentry, guard, detective, policeman, reconnoiterer, spectator, eyewitness, beholder, onlooker, bystander, passer-by, meddler, peeper, voyeur, prying person, peeping Tom*, rubberneck*; see also spy, witness.

  2. One who offers original comment

    commentator, novelist, columnist, armchair quarterback*, drugstore cowboy*; see also author 2, historian, writer.

observer Usage Examples

Converse of subject

  • perceive: Indeed, the isolated sytem does not absorb or emit anything... and, as a result, cannot be perceived by any observer.
  • observe: Time in a moving system will be observed by a stationary observer to be running slower by the following factor.

Converse of object

  • detach: They were not there as entirely detached observers, tho some did their best to be.
  • invite: We were the only British representatives among 250 observers invited from around the world.
  • send: The OSCE has sent 10,000 observers to more than 150 elections in the past 10 years.
  • surprise: Although the election results surprised many observers, both sides began conversations to bring a peaceful transfer of power.
  • remind: However, this cameo from Jones is starting to remind this observer of the NatWest Series final when England managed to scramble a draw.

Adjective modifier

  • casual: To walk is to thrust oneself into the melee rather than maintain the distance of a casual observer.
  • impartial: What seems criminality on a grand scale to the impartial observer was to the British simply a matter of getting on with the job.
  • disinterested: It is clear to even the most disinterested observer that the cost of purchasing a PC has fallen considerably.
  • passive: But the Empress was more than just a passive observer.
  • seasoned: When times are hard, a seasoned observer might be inclined to say that shoppers will head for the value end of the market.
  • neutral: Personally, I think Kev Howitt's past words and actions preclude him from being regarded as a neutral observer.

Modifies a noun

  • status: Children should only be allowed observer status from a safe distance.
  • bias: The Late Neolithic of the southern Levant: Hiatus, settlement shift or observer bias?
  • mission: Quite soon Arthur was sent to Manchuria where he was part of the British observer mission with the Japanese army fighting the Russians.

Noun used with modifier

  • saysnarky: Is in theory officials saysnarky observers private contractors which.
  • artillery: The main body the the Russians moved forward, with infantry, tanks and artillery observers at the front.
  • participant: Assessment During the program, you will progress from participant observer, via support teacher and sharing teacher, to lead teacher.
  • election: The UK has also provided substantial numbers of election observers through OSCE Election Observer Mission.