/ɔp.sɛʁ.ve/
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to observe, to watch; to notice
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Word origin
From Latin observare ('to watch over, to keep to'), built from ob- ('towards') and servare ('to keep, to guard'). English 'observe' and 'preserve' share the second half.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- observare
- English cognates
- observe, preserve
Grammar
Conjugation
Regular -er conjugation. Pronouns: je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles.
Indicative
| Person | Present | Imperfect | Past historic | Future | Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | observe | observais | observai | observerai | observerais |
| tu | observes | observais | observas | observeras | observerais |
| il/elle | observe | observait | observa | observera | observerait |
| nous | observons | observions | observâmes | observerons | observerions |
| vous | observez | observiez | observâtes | observerez | observeriez |
| ils/elles | observent | observaient | observèrent | observeront | observeraient |
Subjunctive
| Person | Present | Imperfect |
|---|---|---|
| je | observe | observasse |
| tu | observes | observasses |
| il/elle | observe | observât |
| nous | observions | observassions |
| vous | observiez | observassiez |
| ils/elles | observent | observassent |
Imperative
| Person | Affirmative |
|---|---|
| tu | observe |
| nous | observons |
| vous | observez |
Non-finite
- Gerund / present participle
- observant
- Past participle
- observé · observée · observés · observées
Examples
.
He watches the cats from his window.
.
We noticed an important change.
.
She was watching the scene without moving.
.
Watch carefully what is about to happen.
.
The doctors will keep the patient under observation overnight.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
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French · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the French word "observer" (to observe, to watch; to notice): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 21, lesson 3: observer, ambulance, boutique and 7 more words.