observation

Universal Words noun 1 [U,C] the act of watching sb/sth carefully for a period of time, especially to learn sth: Most information was collected by direct observation of the animals' behaviour. * results based on scientific observations * We managed to escape observation (= we were not seen). * The suspect is being kept under observation (= watched closely by the police). * She has outstanding powers of observation (= the ability to notice things around her). * an observation post / tower (= a place from where sb, especially an enemy, can be watched) 2 [C] ~ (about / on sth) a comment, especially based on sth you have seen, heard or read: He began by making a few general observations about the report. * She has some interesting observations on possible future developments.