observance

The practice of following a law, rule, agreement, or custom.

• Observance of the rules is required.
• The agreement demands full observance by both sides.
• Her religious observance includes a weekly day of rest.

How to use it: observance of something (Strict observance of safety rules is essential.)

Similar words: compliance, adherence

Opposites: violation, noncompliance

Common phrases: strict observance, observance of rules, religious observance

The practice of marking a special day with ceremonies, celebrations, or other traditional activities.

• The observance begins with a prayer.
• Local families joined the annual observance of the holiday.
• Schools are closed in observance of the national day of remembrance.

How to use it: in observance of something (The office is closed in observance of the holiday.)

Similar words: commemoration, celebration

Common phrases: annual observance, holiday observance, in observance of

A rule, custom, or religious activity that people are expected to follow or carry out.

• The evening prayer is an important observance.
• They keep several traditional observances during the festival.
• Daily observances shape life in the monastery.

Similar words: ritual, custom, practice

Common phrases: religious observance, traditional observance, daily observance

The act of watching someone or something carefully.

• His quiet observance made the visitors nervous.
• Careful observance of the birds revealed their feeding habits.
• She learned much through close observance of daily life.

How to use it: observance of someone/something (Her careful observance of the visitors revealed their unease.)

Similar words: observation, watching

Common phrases: close observance, careful observance, observance of something