English Notes

Observation vs. Observance

Observation = (1) the act of closely observing or monitoring someone or something ; scrutiny ; close examination.

  • According to the doctors the patient needs to be under medical observation for a week.
  • Movements of planets are under the close observation of scientists.

(2) something that you have learned by seeing or watching and thinking about it.

  • She has good power of observation.
  • This book contains observations about the causes of cancer.
  • The court observed that if bail was granted to the accused, there was a chance of the evidence being tampered with and the witnesses influenced.

Observance = convention, custom ; following of certain rules , rituals etc.

  • The manager insisted strict observance of rules while discharging the duties.
  • Some people give undue importance to the observance of religious rituals.
  • My grandfather is strict about the observance of family conventions.