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DictionaryRoot: ob-
Latin

ob-

toward, against; in the way

Forms

  • ob-
  • oc- — Used before c in Latin.
  • of- — Used before f in Latin.
  • op- — Used before p in Latin.

Origin

Usually traced to reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *epi, ‘on; near; against.’

Note

Facing something can suggest either approaching it or standing in its way.

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verb

observe

To follow a rule or established custom.

Everyone in the laboratory observes strict rules for handling chemicals.

Etymology
observeLatinto watch; keep

Latin observare means to watch, heed, or keep. Following a custom preserves the heed-and-keep sense: one maintains it through conduct.

More examples

  • Please observe the posted speed limit.
  • The crowd observed a moment of silence before the game.
  • Our family observes the holiday with a special meal.

Forms

observe · observes · observed · observing

observance noun — The practice of following rules or customs.

Similar words

obey
Emphasizes doing what a rule or authority requires.
honor
Emphasizes showing respect for an occasion through customary actions.