observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
1
2
: capable of being observed : discernible
observability noun
observable noun
observably adverb

Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The same phenomenon is observable in Iran, where 61% of women entrepreneurs dominate the international market. Katharina Buchholz, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Laken Riley murder suspect seen with multiple scratches day after killing: Officers DNA evidence matched Ibarra, expert says Ibarra was interviewed on Feb. 23 in connection with her death and had multiple scratches observable on his arms, police testified. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2024 These events create the best aurora, and the extended auroral oval will be observable by most people. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The first observable is instantaneous acceleration — the ability to change direction and change your velocity very rapidly. Johnny Dodd, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for observable 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of observable was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near observable

Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

observable

adjective
ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
: able to be observed : noticeable
observably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on observable

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