observe
 ob·serve (əb-zûrvʹ)v. ob·served, ob·serv·ing, ob·servesv. tr.
1. To be or become aware of, especially through careful and directed attention; notice.
2. To watch attentively:
observe a child's behavior.
3. To make a systematic or scientific observation of:
observe the orbit of the moon.
4. To say casually; remark.
5. To adhere to or abide by:
observe the terms of a contract.
6. To keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example):
observe an anniversary.v. intr.
1. To take notice.
2. To say something; make a comment or remark.
3. To watch or be present without participating actively:
We were invited to the conference solely to observe. [Middle English observen, to conform to, from Old French observer, from Latin observāre, to abide by, watch : ob-, over; see ob- + servāre, to keep, watch; See ser-1 in Indo-European Roots.] ob·servʹing·ly adv.
Synonyms: observe, keep, celebrate, commemorate, solemnize
These verbs mean to give proper heed to or show proper reverence for something, such as a rule, custom, or holiday. Observe stresses compliance or respectful adherence to that which is prescribed: observe the speed limit; observe the Sabbath. Keep implies actions such as the discharge of a duty or the fulfillment of a promise: keep one's word; keep personal commitments. Celebrate emphasizes observance in the form of rejoicing or festivity: a surprise party to celebrate her birthday. To commemorate is to honor the memory of a past event: a ceremony that commemorated the career of a physician. Solemnize implies dignity and gravity in the celebration of an occasion: solemnized the funeral with a 21-gun salute. See also synonyms at see1
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