WordGarden.ioobservance
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɒbzˈɜːvəns/
US
- /əbˈzɜrvəns/
Meanings
Noun
the keeping or celebration of a custom, holiday, or ritual
adherence to a law, rule, or formal requirement
Beyond the definition
An observance is more than simply noticing something. It usually means marking a special day, custom, or event in a respectful or traditional way. A holiday ceremony, a moment of silence, or a family tradition can all be observances. The word can also mean careful following of a rule or law. For example, a teacher may praise students for their observance of school rules. The idea is either honoring something properly or following something carefully.
The word "observance" has a useful range of meanings, but they all stay close to one central idea: giving proper attention to something by honoring it or by following it carefully. Most often, it refers to the way a special day, custom, or religious event is marked.
You might hear about the observance of a national holiday like Memorial Day, with ceremonies, parades, or quiet moments of remembrance. These are public observances, shared by many people. But the word can also apply to private or family traditions. A family may have its own Thanksgiving observances, repeated year after year.
However, "observance" is not limited to holidays or traditions. It can also mean careful obedience to a rule, law, or agreement. For example, "strict observance of safety regulations is crucial in this factory." In that sense, the word points to faithful and careful following.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin observare, meaning "to watch carefully." That history helps explain why the word connects both respect and attention. So, when you hear about observance, think of either honoring a day or custom in a meaningful way, or following a rule with care.
Examples
- 1
Holiday closing
The office will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday.
- Patternin observance of + day/event
to honor or mark it
- 2
Safety rules
Strict observance of safety rules is required in the laboratory.
- 3
Religious practice
The school respects students' needs for religious observance.
- 4
Local festivals
Local observances of the festival vary from village to village.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Memorial ceremony
The ceremony included a minute of silence in observance of those who had died.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- religious observance
- strict observance
- observance of the law
- in observance of
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- observancenoun
Forms
- observancespluralnoun