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

This event will not be observable from the Americas. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Now evidence of trip is found There were no major solar eclipses observable on the island between 3000 and 2000 B.C., making that an unlikely trigger. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025

Moreover, there is already an observable stark contrast in how Trump approaches these crises from the last time around. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Astronomers also estimate the asteroid will become observable once again in 2028, allowing for further analysis. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025

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