rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: servare
Latin

servare

keep, preserve, or watch over

Forms

  • servare
  • servat- — The form used for completed action and later derivatives.

Origin

An inherited Latin verb; its deeper relationship to other old protection words is uncertain.

Note

Keeping something safe and keeping a rule both extend the idea of maintaining it.

10 / 17
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.