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

Blame shifts elsewhere, explanations contradict observable reality, and mistakes become someone else’s problem. —Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

The Fermi Paradox, which posits that the absence of observable extraterrestrial civilizations is paradoxical given the vastness and age of the universe and the potential for other intelligent life, exemplifies this tendency to overlook the possibility of contact. —David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025

Hence, the already observable declines in European and Japanese shares of world GDP are not likely to be reversed by the current revolution in data analysis. —Stephen Peter Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025

This cosmic trip back in time revealed that the observable universe extends for almost 50 billion light-years in all directions around us. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Mar. 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

Rhymes for observable

• unobservable

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb