How to pronounce observe
Say it like ub-ZURV. Observe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZURV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce observe. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- ZURV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Observe pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ZURVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of observe
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ub-ZURV.
What does observe mean?
- discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of“She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water”“We found traces of lead in the paint”
- make mention of“She observed that his presentation took up too much time”“They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing”
- observe with care or pay close attention to“Take note of this chemical reaction”
Where does observe come from?
From Middle French observer, from Old French observer, from Latin observō (“to watch”), from ob- (“before”) + servō (“to keep”), from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to guard”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with observe
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of observe.
Questions about saying observe
How do you pronounce observe?
Say ub-ZURV. The American pronunciation is /əbˈzɝv/. In British English it is /əbˈzɜːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in observe?
Observe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZURV). Broken into parts: ub · ZURV.
Is observe pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əbˈzɜːv/ (ub-ZURV).