What is observation? Pronunciation and usage in English

observation means . Learn how to pronounce and use observation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of observation

observationnoun

/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of observation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "observation" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • ob: Sounds like "ob" in "object" - a short, unstressed "uh" sound.
  • ser: Sounds like "zair" – like the beginning of "azure" but with a slightly more stressed 'z' sound. Think of it as a 'z' followed by a 'air' sound.
  • va: Sounds like "vuh" - a simple "uh" sound.
  • tion: Sounds like "shun" - rhymes with "sun."

2. Putting it Together (Slowly):

Try saying it slowly, emphasizing each syllable:

  • ob - ser - vuh - shun

3. The Full Pronunciation (Faster):

The more natural pronunciation blends these together, but here's a reasonable speed:

  • uhb - zair - vuh - shun (The "uhb" is a quick, softened "ob")

4. Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "ver-ba-tion." This is a very common mistake! The "ver" is incorrect.
  • The "s" in "ser" isn't pronounced like in "listen." It's a soft, brief 'z' sound.
  • Don't overemphasize any syllable. It’s a word where the emphasis is relatively evenly distributed.

5. Resources for Hearing It:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning? (This helps me consider your current level of pronunciation knowledge.)

Usage and examples with the word observation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "observation" in English. It's a versatile word with several different uses. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (the most common usage - a thing)

  • Definition: An observation is a fact or piece of information gained through seeing, hearing, or noticing something. It's a careful noticing of something.

  • Examples:

    • "My observation is that people are more attentive when they're smiling." (A general statement based on noticing.)
    • "The scientist made detailed observations of the animal's behavior." (Specific data collected.)
    • "I made an observation about the way the light hits the wall at sunset." (A simple, casual remark.)
    • "The police report included several observations regarding the suspect’s appearance."

2. As a Verb (the act of noticing)

  • Definition: To observe is to watch carefully and pay close attention to something. It’s the action of making an observation.

  • Examples:

    • "I observed him carefully, trying to understand his intentions." (Watching and analyzing.)
    • "The students observed a solar eclipse yesterday." (Watched the eclipse.)
    • "Researchers observed the growth of the plants over several weeks." (Monitoring and recording growth.)
    • "The doctor observed the patient’s symptoms and asked further questions."

3. Related Phrases & Contextual Uses

  • "Field observation": This refers to observations made in a natural setting (like a field study). “She conducted a field observation of ant colonies.”

  • "Scientific observation": Observations made during scientific research, often with specific methods. "The scientist’s scientific observations supported the hypothesis."

  • "Personal observation": Observations made based on one’s own experiences and experiences. “My personal observation is that the traffic is worse in the mornings.”

  • "Detailed observation": Describes an observation that is thorough and includes specific information. “A detailed observation of the crime scene revealed several clues.”

4. Synonyms

Knowing synonyms can help you vary your language:

  • Noun: noticing, perception, awareness, record, data, fact, insight
  • Verb: watch, monitor, scrutinize, examine, perceive, witness

Tips for Using "Observation" Effectively:

  • Be Specific: When using "observation" as a noun, try to explain what you observed and why it's noteworthy. Don’t just state the observation; add some context or interpretation.
  • Use "Observe" Correctly: Remember that “observe” is the verb form. Don’t say “I observation him.”

Can you give me a sentence where you'd like me to use the word "observation" so I can demonstrate it further? Or, would you like me to:

  • Explain a specific nuance of the word (e.g., how it differs from "noticing")?
  • Give you more examples in a particular context (e.g., scientific, psychological)?

Synonyms for the word observation

Practice with vocabulary observation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The scientist's careful _______________ of the celestial body led to a groundbreaking discovery about its atmospheric composition.
  2. During the meeting, her astute _______________ about the team's dynamic helped resolve a long-standing conflict.
  3. Before making any major decisions, the project manager requested a comprehensive _______________ of the market trends.
  4. His keen _______________ of human behavior allows him to predict customer reactions with remarkable accuracy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions typically involves making a critical assessment based on careful watching or monitoring? a) Prediction b) Intervention c) Observation d) Fabrication

  2. What term describes the act of noting facts or occurrences, especially for scientific study or a specific purpose? a) Contemplation b) Hypothesis c) Observation d) Interpretation

  3. If you are collecting data by watching how users interact with a new software interface, what is your primary method? a) Brainstorming b) Experimentation c) Observation d) Simulation

  4. The consultant provided valuable _______________ into the company's operational inefficiencies, suggesting practical improvements. a) Interference b) Oversight c) Insight d) Omission

  5. What process involves systematically checking a system or area to ensure compliance with rules and standards? a) Innovation b) Inspection c) Speculation d) Meditation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The researcher carefully watched the gorillas' behavior in their natural habitat. (Rewrite the sentence, using "observation")

  2. "The sales figures are improving, but we need to monitor them closely," she commented during the quarterly review. (Rewrite the sentence, using "observation" or a related word form)

  3. Before launching the product, the marketing team thoroughly examined customer preferences. (Rewrite the sentence, without using "observation" or any related word forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. observation
  2. observation
  3. analysis
  4. perception

Exercise 2:

  1. c) Observation
  2. c) Observation
  3. c) Observation
  4. c) Insight
  5. b) Inspection

Exercise 3:

  1. The researcher conducted a careful observation of the gorillas' behavior in their natural habitat.
  2. Her observation was that the sales figures are improving, but we need to monitor them closely.
  3. Before launching the product, the marketing team conducted a thorough analysis of customer preferences.

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