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

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

And the other 82 percent is occasionally observable, too, thanks to the fleets of spacecraft that map the moon’s surface from space. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2024

October 25 – Europa is easily observable to one side of Jupiter by itself this morning using binoculars. —Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Oct. 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