observant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is attentive and notices things that are often overlooked. Example: "She is very observant and quickly picked up on the subtle changes in his behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No questionnaires are involved, and dolphins seem to worry about human observers about as much as humans would worry about an observant pet.David Lusseau, of the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, and Mark Newman, of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, chose to look at the dolphins of Doubtful Sound, off the coast of New Zealand.

The Economist

May We Be Forgiven by AM Homes (Granta), is a sharply observant, if slightly fantastical, satire on modern family life that made me laugh out loud.

The Guardian - Books

By this time, Emwazi was said to be a polite, observant Muslim with a penchant for designer clothes.

The Guardian

But children are observant, they see and hear what is going on around them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although Ralph and Marion were not observant Jews, they were defined by their early life as Jews.

The Guardian

I am not a rabbi, nor am I a very observant Jew.

The Guardian

Indeed – as any observant visitor will spot on the Energy landing, where Shell's sponsorship ensures that hydrogen (our only possible large-scale future fuel) is damned with the faintest of praise.

The Guardian

When he entered office in October, Jokowi, though an observant Muslim, was welcomed as a president willing take risks for a more secular, pluralistic Indonesia.

The Economist

And southerners are unusually observant: Utah is the only non-southern state where church attendance is as high as in Dixie.When piety is grafted on to a small-government political philosophy 57% of southerners think the government does "too much" and only 37% think it should do more, according to Gallup it explains much of why the South remains different.

The Economist

Americans, for example, may love material things and the consumer society but they are much more religiously observant than almost all Europeans.

The Economist

But Fairchild, who was an observant plantsman and a meticulous record-keeper, was in a better position than the academic botanist to study the growth of plants in practice.Fairchild studied how sap moved in plants and eventually became an expert in the techniques of grafting.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "observant" to describe someone who notices subtle details or adheres strictly to rules or customs.

Common error

Ensure you're using "observant" to describe a quality of attentiveness or adherence, not as a noun referring to someone who watches or observes. Use "observer" when referring to a person who watches.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "observant" primarily functions to describe a person or entity as being attentive and keenly aware of details, or as strictly adhering to rules or practices. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show its descriptive use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "observant" is a versatile adjective used to describe attentiveness, diligence, or adherence to rules. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is often found in news and formal contexts. When using "observant", be clear whether you are referring to someone's ability to notice details or their commitment to following rules or customs. Don't confuse "observant" with the noun "observer", which refers to a person who watches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive

Focuses on actively paying attention, a general term for being watchful and responsive.

watchful

Emphasizes vigilance and being alert to potential dangers or changes.

vigilant

Highlights being keenly alert and ready to detect any issues or problems.

alert

Suggests quickness in noticing and responding to things.

perceptive

Indicates having insight and understanding beyond what is immediately obvious.

mindful

Emphasizes awareness and consideration of something, often in relation to rules or duties.

regardful

Implies showing respect and consideration for rules, customs, or others' feelings.

law-abiding

Specifically refers to adhering to laws and regulations.

devout

Focuses on religious observance and commitment.

punctilious

Implies strict attention to detail, often in following rules or procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "observant" in a sentence?

You can use "observant" to describe someone who is good at noticing things, as in "She is an "observant" detective who never misses a clue." Or to describe someone who follows rules carefully, as in "He is an "observant" Jew who keeps the Sabbath."

What's a good alternative to "observant" when describing someone who notices things?

Alternatives include "attentive", "watchful", or "perceptive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "observant" in a religious context?

In a religious context, "observant" means diligently adhering to the laws, customs, and practices of the religion. For example, an "observant" Muslim follows the rules of Islam.

Is it correct to say someone is "observant of" a rule or custom?

Yes, it is correct. "Observant of" means mindful and compliant with a rule, custom, or duty, as in "He was normally "observant" of the local parking restrictions."