Observes

Observes is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb observe. The base verb has several related senses, including perceiving with the senses, noticing or taking note of something, and watching or studying something carefully. The word derives from Latin observare, via Old French observer, with roots in ob- “toward” and servare “to keep, save, watch.”

In everyday use, observe often implies deliberate attention or systematic checking. For example, one might observe a phenomenon in a laboratory, observe careful differences, or observe a person’s behavior over time. The sense of observing can also extend to recording or documenting what is seen, as in field notes or data collection.

Observe is also used to express compliance with rules, laws, or traditions. Phrases such as “to observe the rules,” “to observe a holiday,” or “to observe safety protocols” indicate adherence rather than mere watching. In ceremonial or religious contexts, observance refers to the act of keeping a tradition or ritual.

Grammatically, observes follows typical English subject–verb agreement: he observes, she observes, it observes. Related nouns include observation (the act of observing or the information gathered) and observance (the act or period of keeping a rule, law, or ritual). Common antonyms or near-synonyms include ignore or overlook, though these carry different nuances.

In summary, observes serves as a versatile form of observe, applicable to perception, attention, and compliance, with subtle differences from related terms such as watch, see, or note.