observance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "observance" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to adhering to a rule, custom, or religious practice, or to the act of paying close attention to something. For example, "We held a minute of silence in observance of those who sacrificed their lives in the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Happiness levels have stayed relatively constant, which many think might be a product of religious observance remaining relatively steady.But one trend in the pattern of American social life is curious: Americans have never been less likely to be friends with their neighbours than before.

The Economist

They look haredi in their beards and black hats, and they claim to be haredi in their observance and beliefs.

The Economist

This clause, presumably intended to inspire a sense of urgency, is honoured more frequently in the breach than in the observance.

The Economist

During the Eyptian turmoil of 2011-12, as Mr Snyder pointed out, a small caste of urban intellectuals demanded the observance of human rights; but they lacked the vast mobilising power of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Economist

In fact, the Poles had deftly avoided inviting any politicians in person; the Auschwitz museum simply alerted embassies that there would be an observance on January 27th, and asked who would attend.

The Economist

Numbers about religious observance are notoriously untrustworthy, but most of them seem to indicate that any drift towards secularism has been halted, and some show religion to be on the increase.

The Economist

But Virginia taxpayers have already paid $100m for this observance, so it had better draw the punters in.In this section From America's mayor to America's president?

The Economist

It explores the influence of religious belief and observance on economic growth.To be sure, this is not the first time that economists have held forth on subjects that many people consider private.

The Economist

Many minorities, though Buddhist, are moderate in their observance.

The Economist

Over 100 are in the grandest category: UN "observance" days, usually set by the General Assembly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Non-observance of Christmas was a bedrock principle of my equally assimilated parents' religious self-definition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "observance", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. For formal settings or religious contexts, it's highly appropriate. In casual settings, alternatives might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "observance" in very informal settings where a simpler word like "watching" or "celebrating" would be more appropriate. Using "observance" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The word "observance" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of complying with a law, custom, or command, or the practice of celebrating a holiday. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun that signifies adhering to laws, customs, or religious practices, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in News & Media. When writing, remember to select appropriate alternatives for informal contexts and leverage "observance" to denote compliance or adherence. Be cautious not to overuse it in daily conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliance with

Focuses specifically on adhering to rules or regulations.

adherence to

Emphasizes a strict and faithful commitment to a principle or practice.

celebration of

Highlights the festive or commemorative aspect of an event.

commemoration of

Specifically refers to the act of remembering and honoring a person or event, typically with a ceremony.

recognition of

Focuses on acknowledging and giving importance to something, such as a holiday or achievement.

respect for

Implies showing honor and consideration towards a custom or belief.

keeping of

Refers to the act of maintaining or upholding a tradition or rule.

practice of

Emphasizes the habitual or regular performance of an action or belief.

following of

Indicates adherence to guidelines or instructions.

honoring of

Focuses on showing respect and reverence through specific actions or rituals.

FAQs

How can I use "observance" in a sentence?

You can use "observance" to describe the act of following a custom, law, or religious practice. For example, "The strict "observance of the law" is crucial for maintaining order" or "The holiday is marked by the "observance of traditional customs"".

What are some alternatives to "observance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "compliance with", "adherence to", "celebration of", or "practice of".

Is "observance" formal or informal?

"Observance" is generally considered a formal term. It is often used in legal, religious, or official contexts. Simpler terms might be more suitable for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "observance" and "observation"?

"Observance" refers to the act of adhering to a rule, custom, or religious practice, while "observation" refers to the act of watching or noticing something. For example, you might speak of the "observance of religious holidays" and the "observation of bird behavior".