observer

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noun [countable] British English pronunciation: observer

/əbˈzɜː(r)və(r)/

singular	observer
plural	observers

1
someone whose opinions are broadcast or published because they know a lot about a particular subject
Many political observers believe that the election is already decided.
observer of:
He was a witty and cynical observer of the social scene.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of observer
1. a.
  someone who visits a place officially to make sure that something is done fairly and correctly
  foreign/outside/military/independent observers:
  Foreign observers declared the elections fair.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of observer
2. b.
  someone who is present at an event but takes no active part
  I was invited to attend their conference as an observer.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of observer
2
someone who looks at something as their job or as part of an experiment
A trained observer can scan the images in minutes.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of observer
3
someone who sees or notices something
Observers said soldiers opened fire on the camp’s inhabitants.
casual observer (=someone not paying much attention):
The most casual observer would have noticed his strange behaviour.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of observer

This is the British English definition of observer. View American English definition of observer.

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