Words / B2

uhb-ZURV-uh/əbˈzɜːvə/

An observer watches, often officially, without taking part: an election observer, a political observer, independent observers. Spectator watches sport for pleasure; witness saw an incident; reporter gathers news. Observe is the verb. In speech, someone watching officially is enough. Do not call a fan in the stand an observer in a news story unless they are there in an official role.

Meaning

A person who watches an event, often officially, without taking part.

Examples

• “UN observers were sent to monitor the election.”
• “EU observers described the count as orderly but slow.”
• “A climate observer on the panel was not the same as the minister answering questions.”

Good to know

election / independent observer. Sport for pleasure: spectator. Crime/accident: witness. Official watching, not a casual fan.

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