observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

1

: noteworthy

2

: capable of being observed : discernible

observability

əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

observable noun

observably

əb-ˈzər-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• apparent
• seeable
• visible
• visual

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

Electronic medical records enable scientists to conduct large-scale studies of the associations between genetic variants and observable traits that inform precision medicine. —Aaron J. Masino, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Users can expect to track and identify various insect and plant interactions, turning their garden into a dynamic, observable ecosystem. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025

Although dormant black holes are not easily observable due to their low luminosities, researchers are determined that more cases exist across the universe, waiting to be found. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Using partially observable information engines, Still computed the most efficient strategies for taking measurements of the particle’s location and encoding them in memory. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb