observance

[uhb-zur-vuhns]

noun

1. an act or instance of following, obeying, or conforming to.

   the observance of traffic laws.

   Synonyms: heedfulness, adherence, compliance

2. a keeping or celebration by appropriate procedure, ceremonies, etc..

   the observance of the Sabbath.

3. a procedure, ceremony, or rite, as for a particular occasion.

   patriotic observances.

4. a rule or custom to be followed or obeyed; a customary practice.

5. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. a rule or discipline for a religious house or order.

   2. a house or order observing a rule or discipline.

6. an act or instance of watching, noting, or perceiving; observation.

7. respectful attention or service.

8. Archaic.,  courteous attention as to a person; dutiful service.

observance

/ əbˈzɜːvəns /

noun

1. recognition of or compliance with a law, custom, practice, etc

2. the act of such recognition

3. a ritual, ceremony, or practice, esp of a religion

4. observation or attention

5. the degree of strictness of a religious order or community in following its rule

6. archaic,  respectful or deferential attention

Other Word Forms

• preobservance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of observance¹

1175–1225; Middle English observaunce < Old French < Late Latin observantia, Latin: esteem, attention, derivative of observant- (stem of observāns ), present participle of observāre. See observe, -ance

Example Sentences

He is teetotal and a practising Muslim who has spoken openly about his observance of Ramadan.

From BBC

That first observance included a speech by future President James Garfield at Arlington National Cemetery, where 5,000 people decorated the graves of 20,000 fallen soldiers.

From Salon

Dandyism began as a point of mockery for enslaved people, and its reclamation and transformation over time is both a revelry for Black style and a sartorial form of historical observance.

From Salon

Chatsworth students had the day off from school Thursday in observance of Armenian Genocide Memorial Day.

From Los Angeles Times

Good Friday, a religious day of observance for Catholics and Christians, is not a federal holiday but some business operations are closed for the day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acknowledgment 
• adherence 
• celebration 
• compliance 
• fulfillment