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

Black holes are often observable not directly, but by their accretion disc, a structure of hot gas and dust that gives off a bright glow. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Such movements were rapid…the outer ear and the corners of the mouth which would suddenly be drawn upwards and outwards; a whole series of grimaces was observable, none of which involved the eyes or tongue. —Caitlyn Murphy, Hazlitt, 13 Nov. 2024

While such stellar pairs are common in the observable universe, areas near supermassive black holes have long been thought to have gravity too intense for stellar systems to be stable. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

The impact should be immediately observable in the exam's attempt rate and pass rate. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 16 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