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

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

Moreover, there are as many as two trillion galaxies in just the observable universe. —Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

This influence has extended from studies of objects within the solar system to the very edge of observable space and, thus, the earliest imaginable galaxies. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Each dimension includes observable, assessable, and developable virtuous behaviors, which can exist in what are viewed as deficient or excess vice states. —Mary Crossan, Forbes, 20 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